'Olympics not al-Qaeda target'

2004-03-15 13:04

Athens - The 2004 Olympic Games in Athens are not currently considered a target by the al-Qaeda extremist network, the leader of the radical Islamic group al-Mouhadjiroun said in remarks published on Sunday.

"Concerning the Athens Games, I do not believe that Osama (bin Laden) and al-Qaeda will strike your capital," Omar Bakri Mohammed, who is suspected of having links with Abu Qatada, an alleged al-Qaeda leader in Europe, told the Greek newspaper Eleftherotypia.

The August 13-29 Games are seen as a prime target for a potential terrorist attack and the Greek government has ramped up security since this week's deadly bombings in Madrid, asking for Nato's help to prepare for the event.

"They are more likely to choose targets in the United States, Britain, France or any other country involved in operations against Islam and Muslims," added Bakri, who is based in Britain.

"Athens would tend to be the least probable target because up until now its position has not provoked us."

However, he added, should "the Greek government change positions and start getting more involved and supporting the US position against Muslims, at that point, yes, you will be in real danger."

Asked about the possible existence of al-Qaeda cells in Greece, Bakri said he was not sure.

"I am certain there are mujahedeen in every country, but I am not in a position to know how many. I am not a member of al-Qaeda and I do not have direct contacts with them," he stressed.

The Spanish government is currently investigating several purported claims from the al-Qaeda network that it carried out the atrocities in Madrid.

Madrid initially named the armed Basque separatist group ETA as prime suspect, but ETA has repeatedly denied any involvement in the killings.

- AFP