Athens on defensive

The head of the Athens Olympics today expressed supreme confidence that the Greek capital will stage safe and secure Games.

Security has been the biggest concern for organisers ahead of next week's opening ceremony and undercover police and secret services from America and Britain are expected to be operating during the event. But Gianna Angelopoulos said: "We're doing everything humanly possible to secure a safe Games.

"No country has done so much, in terms of the budget, in terms of troops and involving allies around the world. The measures are already in place." They have started the process of sweeping venues for bombs and guarding them before the 13 August start.

Tickets sales have been slower than usual, possibly because of safety worries and concerns about delays in construction.