Ministry Of Public Order

Press Office

Athens, Aug. 1, 2003

During a special ceremony today (Aug. 1, 2003) at the former Athens airport`s east terminal Hellenic Police officially took possession of special equipment (used to detect radiological, bio-chemical and nuclear threats) donated by the government of the United States of America.

On hand during the ceremony was Deputy Minister of Public Order Pantelis Tsertikidis, the Chief of Hellenic Police Lt.-Gen. Fotis Nassiakos, US ambassador to Athens, Thomas Miller, as well as officials from both sides.

A special exercise was also held within the framework of the delivery exercise, within the framework of Special Olympic Training geared toward dealing with weapons of mass destruction. Specifically, as fart as the immediate and effective response to incidents involving radiological, bio-chemical and nuclear threats (i.e. anthrax, chemical agents, neuro-paralyzing gases etc.)

Thirty-four (34) officers of various law enforcement agencies and bodies involved with Olympic security (Hellenic Police, the Fire Brigade, the Coast Guard, the National Ambulance Service, the General Secretariat for Civil Defense, the Armed Forces) trained in the use of the state-of-the-art equipment, will form a “rapid deployment force in a red zone” in such incidents.

The unit`s role is not limited, however, only to operational readiness and its possible activation, but will also comprise the core of instructors for other personnel that will cover the needs of Olympic Security Planning in this vital sector.

It should again be stressed that the government of the United States of America, which also covered the training for this special unit, donated the radiological, bio-chemical and nuclear detection and containment equipment. Specifically, training took place in both Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA) as well as in Greece.

More for information: tel: 210 6977505
Fax: 210 6929764
E-mail: elasgrty@mopo.gr