NATO's assistance to the 2004 Olympics
Video interview with Ms. Despina Afentouli, NATO Public Information Officer for Greece
Q: Why did NATO Allies decide to help Greece in providing security during the Olympic Games in August?
DESPINA AFENTOULI (NATO Information Officer for Greece): NATO's decision, I think, it's a clear demonstration of support and solidarity towards member states. Assuring access to the Alliance's capabilities is a condito sine qua non for all members. The Atlantic Alliance remains after all a collective security organisation.
By accepting this major task of assisting Greece during the Olympic Games we want to send a clear message: Greece is not alone.
Q: What kind of support does this involve?
AFENTOULI: The Alliance will put a wide range of capabilities at Greece's disposal. NATO is assisting the Greek government. We will fashion together with the Greek authorities the most proper package to fulfil their request and respond to their concerns. This package includes: deployment of AWACS; conduct of Maritime Security Operations in the Eastern Mediterranean; assistance with Intelligence Fusion and analysis; exchange and provision of CBRN assets to augment Greece's existing capabilities. CBRN is Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear defence assets.
This kind of support and coordination of national offers will be effectuated through the Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre.
Q: So who is actually responsible for security during the Olympics?
AFENTOULI: This is very clear for Greece and for NATO: Greece is having the first, the primary role. It's a Greek operation under Greek command and responsibility. NATO is only supporting and assisting Greek authorities.
Q: And who's paying for the security operation?
AFENTOULI: The cost of NATO operations is undertaken by the member states that participate in the operation. In this case also the host nation is going to pay a portion of the operation and another portion is going to be undertaken by the common fund.
Q: NATO helped with security during the European Football Championship in Portugal and now the Olympics. Do you think NATO will have a role to play in securing future sporting events?
AFENTOULI: Sporting events are massive popular events. Unfortunately these events now need also security umbrella and I think if a nation, a member state, would like to have the security umbrella, NATO has to provide it.
Q: Efcharisto.