Athenian Banks Firebombed
An HCS Newsflash Update by Christos Papoutsy
Three banks in central Athens were firebombed within hours of the arrival of FBI Director Robert Mueller, causing damage to all institutions, and demonstrating a continuing strong undercurrent of anti-American government sentiment in Greece.
An anonymous caller told police that the firebombs were meant to be Mueller's welcome to Athens. The visit by Mueller was the last stop of a trip that included stops in Baghdad, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.
The United States is part of a multi-nation Olympics Security Advisory group and the most outspoken about perceived gaps in plans to safeguard the 2004 Olympics during August 13-29. The Greek government insists that they are prepared, backed by a record-setting $775 million Olympic Security budget. Sources indicated, however, that the U.S. continues to call for widening the scope of counter terrorism planning with more intelligence sharing.
Mueller's contacts included talks with the Public Order Minister, the Chief of the Greek Police forces, and head of the Greek Intelligence Agency. The FBI and other US agencies claim that Greek security planning has not fully assessed all aspects of terrorism such as snipers in the hills around Athens, and chemical and biological attacks. Mueller also left open the possibility of future talks over Greece’s refusal to allow weapons for foreign security personnel during the Olympics. The U.S. plans to send about 100 agents to help protect the 800-strong U.S. Olympics athletic delegation.
