MINISTRY OF PUBLIC ORDER
PRESS OFFICE
Athens, July 1, 2004
PRESS RELEASE
An inter-branch Olympic Security readiness exercise organized by the Olympic Games Security Division, and code-named “Poseidon`s Trident 2004”, is scheduled for Monday, July 5.
The exercise will take place at the port of Piraeus, while it should be stressed that under no circumstance will citizens` daily activities be affected by the holding of the exercise.
The exercise`s scenario calls for a simulated Olympic environment and includes multiple tactical operations by special forces from Hellenic Police and the Coast Guard -following their recent and intensive co-training- as well as support by the Armed Forces and the participation of the Fire Brigade, the National Ambulance Service and the Piraeus Port Authority.
The goal of the exercise is to emphasize the readiness and multiple capabilities of Greek Special Forces, as well as the close cooperation and coordination of a joint command in forcefully dealing with a serious incident.
The civilian and services leadership of the Ministry of Public Order, as well as the leadership of the Ministry of Merchant Marine and the National Defense Ministry will observe the exercise.
Additionally, the following parties have been invited to attend the exercise as observers:
- members of the Olympic Security Coordination Council,
- members of the Crisis Management Council,
- the president of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee (ATHOC), Mrs. Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki,
- Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni,
- Piraeus Mayor Christos Agrapidis, and,
- representatives of the National Intelligence Service (EYP).
Additionally, MPs serving on Parliament`s standing committee for Public Administration, Public Order and Justice have also been invited as observers.
The “Poseidon`s Trident 2004” exercise marks the last of a series of major inter-branch Olympic security readiness exercises.
Note: Maneuvers and activities during the exercise will not be covered by the mass media.
For more information, call: 210 6977505
Fax: 210 6929764
e-mail: elasgrty@mopo.gr
