IOC... no comment on Powell

The International Olympic Committee declined to comment yesterday on US Secretary of State Colin Powell's decision to cancel his trip to the Athens Games for today's closing ceremony. IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies told a news conference: "We have no...

The International Olympic Committee declined to comment yesterday on US Secretary of State Colin Powell's decision to cancel his trip to the Athens Games for today's closing ceremony.

IOC spokeswoman Giselle Davies told a news conference: "We have no special comment to make on Mr Powell."

An organiser of protests in Athens said Powell's move was a victory for the anti-war movement. "Of course, the cancellation was linked to our protests," Yiannis Sifakakis told Reuters. "This is a huge victory for the anti-war movement."

The State Department said Powell's decision was unrelated to anti-US protests by about 1,000 people in Athens on Friday that were broken up when police hurled tear gas at demonstrators heading towards the US embassy.

Greek activists hoisted a massive banner saying "Powell Killer Go Home" on the Acropolis hillside over Athens yesterday protesting against his planned 24-hour visit.

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