Visit our website: HTTP://WWW.STOPNATO.ORG.UK --------------------------------------------- <A HREF="aol://4344:30.L100ftOF.7234239.685387170"> 09/19: AOL Sports: Salt Lake chief envisions tighter Olympic security</A> Salt Lake chief envisions tighter Olympic security By PAUL FOY .c The Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The organizer for the Winter Olympics expects more fences at venues and tighter security at athletes' housing and the IOC's headquarters hotel. Mitt Romney gave a report Wednesday by video conference to the IOC's executive board. Afterward, he said Salt Lake safety commanders are fully reviewing plans after last week's terrorist attacks. ``The types of things we expect is a higher level of security at our alternative housing program at Soldier Hollow, a higher level of security than originally planned for the Olympic family hotel, potentially further air space restrictions'' and baggage restrictions at venues, Romney said. Soldier Hollow, outside Midway, Utah, is the Nordic venue and the only site for athlete housing other than the Olympic Village in Salt Lake City. IOC members will stay at the Little America hotel in downtown Salt Lake for the Feb. 8-24 games, although IOC president Jacques Rogge still plans to take a room at the Olympic Village. In Lausanne, Switzerland, the IOC on Wednesday expressed confidence in Salt Lake's ``very robust'' security plans and said no major changes or substantial amounts of money are needed. Asked about the possibility of troops on the streets, he said, ``What was planned seems to be perfectly adequate.'' Carrard said the IOC expected the United States to admit all accredited athletes, journalists and other personnel. The IOC issues Olympic identity cards, which are accepted in place of visas. Romney said he did not want to spend time contemplating the scenario of an airliner loaded with fuel crashing into a stadium during Olympic ceremonies. That scenario, IOC officials revealed Tuesday, has long been a part of Olympic safety planning. Two airliners crashed into New York's World Trade Center last week as another hit the Pentagon in Washington. After the attack, the IOC ordered a report on whether it could be held financially or legally liable for any terrorism during the Olympics. But it appears liability would fall on Olympic cities and organizing committees, which take full responsibility for staging the games, Romney said. The Salt Lake Organizing Committee is ``on the hook for any terrorism act that we have not prepared for,'' Romney said, but ``we're not spending our time worrying about it.'' Utah safety commanders plan to establish no-fly zone over the Olympic venues, and Romney said the U.S. military had the capability to ``intercept'' any errant flights. Romney was reluctant to contemplate the possibility that the games might have to be called off if the United States and allies find themselves in a sustained war against terrorism or rogue states. ``It's our job to plan for the games,'' Romney said. ``I don't even want to think about the unthinkable.'' The experience for athletes is unlikely to change much, Romney said. Security could hardly be made tighter at the Olympic Village, which will be heavily guarded and surrounded by barbed-wire fences. But spectators could find longer waits and more thorough body and baggage searches at venue checkpoints, Romney said. And safety commanders also will probably impose restrictions on what people can bring into venues. Carrard said Salt Lake's torch relay, rather than being a security hazard, could be the perfect antidote. ``Maybe the torch relay will provide a very special opportunity to bring people togther,'' he said. AP-NY-09-19-01 1404EDT Copyright 2001 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL. ------------------------------------------------- This Discussion List is the follow-up for the old stopnato @listbot.com that has been shut down ==^================================================================ EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.a9spWA Or send an email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This email was sent to: archive@jab.org T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
