SYDNEY, July 23 (AFP) - Prime Minister John Howard said Friday he was considering sending armed guards to protect Australian athletes at the Athens Olympics but his government had no specific information of threats to the Games.
Howard's comments follow reports the United States, British and Israeli teams would be accompanied by armed security personnel.
The Australian Olympic Committee said it was satisfied with security arrangements at the Games and had not asked for armed officers to protect the athletes but Howard said his government was assessing the situation.
"In relation to their (the athletes) safety, the government continues to assess the situation and, if there needs to be any change to the stance we have taken, then obviously that change will occur."
Around 12 officers from the Australian Federal Police and from the foreign affairs and defence departments with be in Greece liaising with local authorities during the Games which start August 13.
The Greek government appeared to bow to international pressure Thursday, agreeing to allow armed guards from individual countries to accompany their athletes but only outside Olympic venues.
Once they arrive at a venue, they must disarm, said Greece's Public Order Minister Yiorgos Voulgarakis.
He had earlier denied a report by the New York Times that Greece had agreed to allow the United States, Britain and Israel to send armed guards to protect their athletes.
According to the report, which an informed source confirmed to AFP on condition of anonymity, Greece had given in to pressure by the three countries to accept presence of their guards.
Athens organisers have also asked the NATO alliance for stand-by troops abroad to help safeguard the Games.
Howard said there was no intelligence suggesting any particular risk to Australian athletes but he could not guarantee their safety.
"No, I can't guarantee it, no I can't," Howard told public radio.
"All I can say is that all of the advice is that they are at no particular risk and the Australian Olympic Committee is satisfied with the security arrangements."