Rogge plays down security concerns (From Messenger Newspapers)

Rogge plays down security concerns

12:17pm Monday 16th July 2012 in National Sport © Press Association 2013

IOC president Jacques Rogge insists the G4S Olympics security shambles has not taken the shine off the London 2012 Games.

The preparations for the Games had appeared to be on course until last week when the Government announced it would be drafting in 3,500 soldiers after the firm said it would be unable to provide the necessary number of security staff. But Rogge said that would not affect the security nor the image of the Games.

Rogge said in a telephone interview with reporters: "The co-ordination commission has been informed about the problems that arose. There have been very good reassurances from the Government that the security is absolutely in place."

He added: "They are fixing the issue that came up and we feel secure in terms of the transfer of soldiers to cover the missing people from G4S.

"I am not disappointed in London. This will be my 21st Olympic Games, there are always issues that come up."

Rogge said he was not concerned that the public image of the Games might be affected by the increased number of military uniforms in evidence.

"They will not be running around with machine guns and very visible," he said.

"They will be ready to intervene and this has been the policy in all Olympic Games since Munich '72 - there has always been security in place but not obtrusive and this will definitely not spoil the fun.

"I think there has been a good show of flexibility. There will be an extra influx of soldiers and this is something that gives us tranquility in the field of security."