§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Olympic Advisory Group on security planning believes the Greek Government is doing everything possible to ensure a safe and secure Olympic Games in Athens.[HL2902]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanSince its inception in 2000 the Olympic Advisory Group (OAG) has been advising and offering training to the Greek Government in connection with its security preparations for the Olympic Games. The UK is a member of the OAG; the others are the US, Australia, Germany, France, Spain and Israel.
The UK is satisfied that the Greeks are working hard towards the goal of ensuring that the Games will 143WA take place in a safe and secure environment. Greece is spending over £500 million on security alone.
§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
How United Kingdom experts were involved in training some 2,000 Greek officials involved with the Olympic Games over the past three years. [HL2903]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanUK officials have been giving security-related training to Greek officials to help Greece with its preparations for the Olympic Games. Much of this has been co-ordinated through the Olympic Advisory Group (OAG). Some of the training was specifically requested by the Greek authorities and some was proposed by UK officials and the officials of other OAG countries.
It is difficult to provide exact numbers but collectively the OAG has delivered and been involved in over 100 training courses, workshops, seminars and other events.
§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are confident that adequate security measures will be in place to ensure full protection to the Prime Minister and visiting dignitaries in Piraeus harbour during the Athens Olympic Games.[HL2904]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe do not discuss the details of security arrangements for visits overseas by my right honourable friend the Prime Minister and other dignitaries. I am therefore withholding this information under Exemption 1(a) of Part 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which covers information whose disclosure would harm national security.
§ Lord Moynihanasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider NATO's offer of maritime and AWACS reconnaissance, the work of the Athens Organising Committee, the priority afforded to security by the Greek Government, and the contribution made by the United Kingdom-led seven-nation Olympic Advisory Group, are adequate to ensure protection to athletes, visiting dignitaries and residents of Athens in the run-up to, and for the duration of, the Olympic Games. [HL2905]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe Greek authorities and their international partners, including those in the Olympic Advisory Group and NATO, are all working hard to help to ensure that the Games take place in a safe and secure environment. However, for reasons I am sure you will understand, we do not comment in detail on security matters. I am therefore withholding this information under Exemption 1(a) of Part 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government information, which covers information whose disclosure would harm national security.