The government blamed "local extremist elements" for the predawn attack and Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis vowed they would not jeopardize the security of the Games, which start Aug. 13.

"This is an isolated incident that does not affect whatsoever the country's preparations for the safety of the Olympics," Karamanlis said following the homemade bomb attack for which no one claimed responsibility.

The Japan Times Weekly: May 15, 2004
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