Russia downplays security threat to Sochi Winter Olympics
Russian Olympic Committee Alexander Zhukov assured that the Sochi Olympic Games will be safe for visitors and athletes and all precaution measures have been undertaken.
Threats sent to a number of national Olympic committees should not be taken too seriously, head of the Russian Olympic Committee Alexander Zhukov said on Thursday.
"Yesterday's (Wednesday') reports that several Olympic committees have received some information or threats via internet could be a provocation. We advise our colleagues not to pay attention to them," Zhukov was quoted as saying by Xinhua.
He assured that Sochi Olympic Games will be safe for visitors and athletes and all precaution measures have been undertaken.
"All necessary security measures have been taken. There will be guaranteed security," he said.
Earlier Thursday, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev also assured that no safety threats existed for the 22nd Winter Olympics.
Medvedev said that the Russian authorities have mobilised "sizable" police force to monitor the Olympics and other security services will be involved if needed.
The 22nd Winter Olympics are to be held from February 7-23.