Athens tests terror plans

OLYMPICS SECURITY Budget: £350m ($600m) Staff: Over 58,000 police and military Security partners: US, Britain, Spain, Germany, France, Israel, Australia Eye witness: 'Athens is a building site'

Greek forces began a series of mock terrorist attacks on Friday to test the country's readiness for potential threats during the Athens Olympics.

More than 1,000 police, coast guard and fire officers will take part in the three-day exercise.

They will practice what to do in the event of chemical, biological or nuclear attacks.

A record budget of £350m has been set aside for Olympic security following the 11 September attacks on New York.

Authorities plan to deploy more than 50,000 security personnel, including 16,000 soldiers, during the Athens games.

The hosts are also working with a seven-nation security advisory group, which includes the United States, Israel and Britain.

Representatives from that group are expected to observe this weekend's manoeuvres, the sixth such exercise.

Jacques Rogge, the International Olympic Committee president, has praised the security preparations.

Athens has also been visited by FBI director Robert Mueller, amid reports that the FBI were concerned that Greek police may not be taking adequate steps to protect athletes, officials and spectators.

However, US State Department officials say they are confident in Greece's ability to protect the 2004 Olympics from terrorist attack.