Athens - International Olympic officials have "full confidence" in Greece's record $1.5bn plan for safeguarding the Athens Games against terrorism, IOC president Jacques Rogge said on Monday.
"These efforts are justified as, going beyond the games, what is at stake is protecting society, democracy, civilisation and freedom," Rogge said at the opening ceremony of the 116th IOC general assembly.
Rogge said security has been the International Olympic Committee's top priority since the 1972 Munich Games, where 11 Israeli athletes and coaches died after Palestinian militants raided the Olympic village.
"I pay tribute once again to the victims of that tragedy whom we shall never forget," he said.
Rogge urged all members of the Olympic movement to "cooperate fully and follow totally" the Greek government's security instructions.
"I call upon them not to engage in parallel activities, which are not coordinated or approved," he said. "Security requires a unified command structure."
Rogge was apparently referring to the sensitive issue of arming overseas security agents. Greek authorities fear foreign guards could react inappropriately in an unfamiliar environment.
Nations fearing terror attacks at the games have pressed Greece to allow special security details. The United States plans to send nearly 200 personnel to Greece.
Doping and ethical violations
The Greek government has repeatedly stressed that Olympic athletes will be under the exclusive protection of Greek forces. Only foreign leaders and other dignitaries can use their own guards.
Rogge also cited doping and ethical violations as among the biggest threats to sports.
Citing the growing number of positive drug tests, he said, "This is an encouraging sign that the fight against doping is gaining ground, and that it is becoming increasingly hard to cheat."
Rogge called for sanctions against athletes and sports leaders who violate ethics rules. On Saturday, the IOC suspended Bulgarian member Ivan Slavkov for alleged improper conduct related to the 2012 bid city process.
Rogge paid tribute to Athens organisers for overcoming years of delays and completing preparations on time.
"We have confidence in our Greek friends to organise excellent games, which will mark their return to their roots and have already left a remarkable urban legacy," he said.
Greek president Costis Stephanopoulos welcomed the Olympic delegates but said he "personally felt bitter" toward some of the people who criticised Athens for taking until the last moment to build stadiums and other infrastructure for the games.
"I came across a number of malevolent or ironical comments by others who were anticipating an organisational failure and rejoicing in advance," he said. "What I cannot admit is the assertion that in awarding the games to Greece you supposedly committed an error."
