Athens Olympics to happen regardless

Greece is to stay as host of the 2004 Olympic Games, despite concerns that the country might not have the facilities ready in time.

The announcement was made at a meeting in Warsaw by the president of the International Olympics Committee, Juan Antonio Samaranch, who said he was confident the games would be a success.

Earlier this year, he warned that Athens might lose the Olympics because preparations were dangerously behind schedule.

His endorsement comes before International Olympics officials are due to visit Greece next week, to assess the current state of preparations. The BBC Sports Correspondent says Mr Samaranch's remarks will boost the confidence of the Greek authorities, who made organisational changes following mounting criticism.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service