Australian Torch Relay Dispute Resolved

Following an emergency telephone conference among government representatives and officials of Athens 2004, the International Olympic Committee, and the Australian Olympic Committee, a dispute about security that could have threatened the first overseas stage of the Olympic torch relay has been resolved.

New South Wales State Premier Bob Carr said, “the outstanding issues have been resolved due to the effort of all parties to ensure a successful Athens Olympics and the part Sydney will play in what will be an historic Athens Olympics”.

Australian authorities had refused demands from Athens Games organizers that Greek security personnel protect the flame during its passage through Sydney and Melbourne. Under a compromise arrangement for Sydney, New South Wales police will be responsible for security of the relay while Athens 2004 will be in charge of operational and logistical elements of the event, like keeping the flame lit.

It is believed a similar arrangement was reached with Melbourne.

Greek authorities initially insisted their unformed personnel provide tight security for all runners carrying the torch, but Bob Elphinston, secretary-general of the Australian Olympic Committee, said Athens finally agreed that Australian police would take that role.

A spokesman for Athens 2004 told reporters Tuesday, “we have absolutely no involvement in security for the torch relay in the 27 cities around the world”.

He said there would be Greek personnel accompanying the torch but added that ATHOC had signed identical contracts with all participating cities and it had been agreed that local authorities would provide security. Write or read comments about this article

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