Qantas to make rescue planes available for Olympics emergenc

[BEER980]

Qantas to make rescue planes available for Olympics emergency

Qantas is to divert at least two aircraft, probably from routes in Europe, to Greece if there is an emergency during the Athens Olympic Games that requires Australian athletes to be evacuated. A spokesman for the carrier, which is flying Australian athletes and officials to and from Athens as a team sponsor, made the announcement last night after bomb blasts in Athens reignited fears of a terrorist attack at the Games.

Three explosions outside a central police station yesterday raised new security concerns with less than 100 days to go before the world's biggest sporting event begins. However, investigators believe the bombing, preceded by an anonymous telephone warning, was the work of a local group and had no connection to the Olympics.

The Australian Olympic Committee has confirmed that the movement of its athletes in Athens is likely to be limited to the Olympic village and sport venues, with bus guards provided by the organisers. Prime Minister John Howard yesterday ordered ASIO to review the threat assessment for Greece - a possible precursor to tougher travel warnings.

Howard has already approved a range of security measures to protect the 469 athletes, as well as officials. Two teams of six intelligence, defence and police officials are already in Athens and another four federal police officers will be sent to liaise with Greek authorities. Three security experts will travel with the team.

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