Greek Takes Command Of Nato Fleet In Time For Olympics

ATHENS, Aug 5 (AFP) - A Greek has taken command of NATO's Mediterranean fleet, an integral part of the massive security operation to protect this month's Athens Olympics from possible attack.
Commodore Yiannis Karaiskos was due to take command of NATO's Standing Naval Force Mediterranean (STANAVFORMED) from German Rear Admiral Hans-Jochen Witthauer in September, but the transfer was brought forward because of the Olympics.
The announcement may boost public support for NATO's involvement in the security operation for the August 13-29 event.
Although Greece's center-right government and the largest opposition party are in favour of NATO's role in Olympic security, smaller opposition parties have expressed the fear that the alliance's involvement may make the Games a target for attack.
Greece plans to mobilize 70,000 security personnel for the Games, or about seven officers for each athlete, but had hesitated to call upon foreign support to help safeguard the Olympics.
NATO is providing AWACS radar planes, intelligence sharing, a battalion trained to counter a possible chemical and biological attack and a 400-strong standby evacuation force.