Guards accompanying national leaders to next month's Athens Olympics will be allowed to carry guns as allowed by international security protocols, Greece said today.
But guards protecting athletes will be barred from bearing arms, Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis said in a statement, which followed a New York Times report that American, Israeli and possibly British security officers would be allowed to carry weapons at the Olympics.
"The leaders of countries have specific protocols, that are separate and unrelated with the Olympics. These are bilateral agreements signed many years ago," Mr Voulgarakis said.
"Leaders, presidents, kings, etc are one thing and athletes are another. Greece is exclusively responsible for the protection and guarding of the athletes."