Aussie Games warning sparks anger in Greece

Australia today warned its citizens to be "cautious" if going to the Olympic Games in Athens, sparking an angry response from the Greek government.

Following last week's bomb attacks in Athens, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs is advising people travelling to the 13-29 August Games to be aware of the increased global terror threat and to register their details with the department.

But Greece's Public Order Minister Yiorgos Voulgarakis described the travel warning as "exaggerated" and "empty of substance".

Three small bombs exploded outside a central Athens police station a week ago. Greek authorities have blamed the blasts on local anarchists and described them as "meaningless".

But some Olympics heavyweights, including Australia and Japan, have since started reviewing security plans.

Greece has set up a security group comprising the United States, Britain, Israel, Spain, France, Germany and Australia to protect the Games.

Greece expects to spend about one billion euros ($1.18 billion) on security, almost five times the amount spent for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. Greece's overall plan encompasses more than 45,000 armed guards, NATO air and sea patrols, thousands of closed-circuit cameras and restrictions around Olympic venues.

Greece did receive one boost today, though, when the International Olympic Committee's chief inspector Denis Oswald said he was confident that all sports venues and key infrastructure would be ready in time.

He said his inspection of sites and meetings with top Athens and Greek government officials had built up his confidence that the city would stage a "very successful Games".