Greek minister of public works in security briefing on Olympics

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1. Greek delegation leaving the White House west wing and coming out to microphones
2. SOUNDBITE: (Greek) George Floridis, Greek Public Order Minister:
“We held a very significant and in-depth discussion on bi-lateral issues with Doctor Rice. Security at the olympic games takes first priority as an issue for the government of Greece. And that is why we’ve developed a great relationship with the United States and six other countries on this issue -so as to provide the best security at the largest athletic event in the world, in the country that gave birth to the games.”
3. Cutaway
4. SOUNDBITE: (Greek) George Floridis, Greek Public Order Minister:
“We have laid out a very very comprehensive and good plan, and of course we’ve expended three times the amount of moneys as were spent on the Olympics in Sydney. We have also contributed three times the manpower as Sydney and we are sure that with these efforts, together with the great cooperation we have from experts in the security field, we will achieve our goals.”
5. Wide shot of Floridis speaking to press following comments

STORYLINE:

Greek Public Order Minister George Floridis met with US National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice at the White House on Thursday.

Security at the summer Olympics in Athens next August, was the primary topic for talks.

Following the meeting, Floridis said he put forward a comprehensive and extensive plan for the games.

Greece has budgeted more than 750 (m) million US dollars on security for the 2004 event, the highest amount in Olympic history and more than three and-a-half times the money spent on security for the 2000 Sydney Games.

Athens plans to deploy around 50,000 security personnel.

The United States, Israel and Britain have been heavily involved in training Greek security forces as part of a seven-nation advisory team helping Greece prepare its security plan for the August 13-29 Olympics.

France, Germany, Australia and Spain are also assisting.

Floridis said that Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis had extended an invitation to US President George Bush to attend the games, but that there had been no word yet as to whether the he would accept.

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