Friday's massive protest march through the centre of Athens which attracted members of the anti-war movement, anti-globalisation activists and communists has led US Secretary of State Colin Powell to cancel his planned visit to Athens this weekend.
The US state department said Mr Powell had informed Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis that he would not be able to travel to Athens as events in Iraq and Sudan required the secretary's close attention.
Despite the cancellation, protests continued into Saturday with huge an anti-Powell banner appearing on the city's most famous monument, the Parthenon. It showed: POWELL, KILLER, GO HOME!
One of the organisers of the demonstrations, Yiannis Sifakakis, said the cancellation of the visit marked a "huge victory".
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3607242.stm
Moderators: richierich, ua900, PanAm_DC10, hOMSaR
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
One of the saddest things in recent times. Why dont they at least have the decency to stop this nonsense untill after the Olympics have finished. Sad.
-
- ConcordeBoy
- Posts: 16852
- Joined:
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
stop this nonsense untill after the Olympics have finished. Sad.
Agreed 100%
Agreed 100%
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
you'd think they might actually want to help by filling all those empty seats instead of spending their time yelling and their money on huge banners. but i guess for some people, bitching about the US is more important than supporting their own country.
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
'' communists ''
Greece and France must be the only countries in Europe that still have them...
When do people realize that the left only destroys the counties instead of the building it up?
Greece and France must be the only countries in Europe that still have them...
When do people realize that the left only destroys the counties instead of the building it up?
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
I'd have shot them all where they stood.
The Olympic Games is no place to start a political demonstration,even more so considering Athens is THE home of the Games.It is the world's most prestigious sporting event and any act to detract from that should be punished.
The world is getting too soft.
The Olympic Games is no place to start a political demonstration,even more so considering Athens is THE home of the Games.It is the world's most prestigious sporting event and any act to detract from that should be punished.
The world is getting too soft.
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
KUDOS! to the protesters!!! It's their home, their event and Dubya's cheap whoring of the Iraqi sporting teams.... the Greeks did the right thing by keeping the worst of US of politics out of it! The same would be done if the Olympics were in Kansas (or anywhere in the US)...and Chirac showed up to represent France! Leave the 'overkill doses' of politics out of it!
BN747
BN747
-
- Sabena 690
- Posts: 6065
- Joined:
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
Pathetic to protest during the Olympics.
They are also shooting at the wrong guy, Powell is still somebody who deserves to be called 'Republican'.
Stop the communists and idiots like those protestors.
They are also shooting at the wrong guy, Powell is still somebody who deserves to be called 'Republican'.
Stop the communists and idiots like those protestors.
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
They are just upset because the Olympics are nearly over and their country will no longer be in the big spotlight.
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
Sabenapilot,
Who is the idiot at the origin of the "massive protest march" report ?
I could tell him two words in his native language. This is unfortunately hyperbolic journalism (I assume it was not you SNplt) at its best and so many are ready to gulp it with closed eyes and dormant brain.
There was no such thing as a massive march, there was a tentative march by an approximate 900-1,000 on the US embassy. Four buses of police were enough to stop them without any resort to violence. Story deflated ?
There was indeed one very big banner (in Greek) hanging on the side of the Acropolis hill, the only words in English were (POWEL KILLER GO HOME).
(Powell with a single "l").
I agree that these hotheads from the youth branch of the KKE (communist party) should better spend their time more usefully. This said, everybody has the right to express his thoughts in this country, at the time and place he chooses. 0.01% of the population is not really representative of a country, every Greek will tell you that, but every Greek will defend the right of this 0.01% to manifest.
Does it need a genius to think that Mr Powell would have been smart in abstaining to choose Athens as a destination at this period of time ?
As BN747 said, keep politics out of the Games. (btw: Bush sr was here, no words said...)
Kl911: no, there are more communists party than just in France and Greece.
There is nothing wrong with a communist party in a democracy as long as it plays the democratic game.
For everyone who did not know yet, every major social advancement in modern societies has comes from the left of the political spectrum. Never noticed ?
Steve7E7 suggest you take a cold shower and dive to bed
Who is the idiot at the origin of the "massive protest march" report ?
I could tell him two words in his native language. This is unfortunately hyperbolic journalism (I assume it was not you SNplt) at its best and so many are ready to gulp it with closed eyes and dormant brain.
There was no such thing as a massive march, there was a tentative march by an approximate 900-1,000 on the US embassy. Four buses of police were enough to stop them without any resort to violence. Story deflated ?
There was indeed one very big banner (in Greek) hanging on the side of the Acropolis hill, the only words in English were (POWEL KILLER GO HOME).
(Powell with a single "l").
I agree that these hotheads from the youth branch of the KKE (communist party) should better spend their time more usefully. This said, everybody has the right to express his thoughts in this country, at the time and place he chooses. 0.01% of the population is not really representative of a country, every Greek will tell you that, but every Greek will defend the right of this 0.01% to manifest.
Does it need a genius to think that Mr Powell would have been smart in abstaining to choose Athens as a destination at this period of time ?
As BN747 said, keep politics out of the Games. (btw: Bush sr was here, no words said...)
Kl911: no, there are more communists party than just in France and Greece.
There is nothing wrong with a communist party in a democracy as long as it plays the democratic game.
For everyone who did not know yet, every major social advancement in modern societies has comes from the left of the political spectrum. Never noticed ?
Steve7E7 suggest you take a cold shower and dive to bed
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
They are just upset because the Olympics are nearly over and their country will no longer be in the big spotlight.
Yeah, that's it!
Someone's attendance from the current US administration being protested... is that at all surprising?!? Given the events of the world in recent times, whether right or wrong (or downright ridiculous), Powell's attendance anywhere, would have been protested in many places on this planet.
Protesting is their right. Protesting during the Olympics is in poor taste... but is still their right.
Personally, however, I agree with the prevailing winds on this thread.
Yeah, that's it!
Someone's attendance from the current US administration being protested... is that at all surprising?!? Given the events of the world in recent times, whether right or wrong (or downright ridiculous), Powell's attendance anywhere, would have been protested in many places on this planet.
Protesting is their right. Protesting during the Olympics is in poor taste... but is still their right.
Personally, however, I agree with the prevailing winds on this thread.
-
- rsmith6621a
- Posts: 1508
- Joined:
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
Once Again........Thank GWB....he has caused the US much disgrace....If you all remember he went hell bent into Iraq without getting any support from countrys that actully had any STRENGTH behind them....Bush had the world behind him on 9/11 and Bush pissed the world off......I dont blame them for acting out during the OLys....how else are they supposed to get the attention they deserve????
I thought you did.
67 days until Bush will start Presidential transition meetings with Kerry.....Kerry will restore respect for us once again.....
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
I agree Rsmith... and hope Kerry in no way 'reaches out' to Powell or any of the other members of the goon-squad to mollify the zillions of hotheads who'll be bitching the next 4-8 years! Powell a once highly respected figure..is now irreparably damaged goods!
If we're (the US) gonna insult the world's Olympic Stage..let's do it right..send Cheney and Rummy!
BN747
[Edited 2004-08-29 03:37:08]
If we're (the US) gonna insult the world's Olympic Stage..let's do it right..send Cheney and Rummy!
BN747
[Edited 2004-08-29 03:37:08]
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
I dare to say that Colin Powell, the man, has not lost an inch of respect abroad, and that he is the only one in that case.
-
- rsmith6621a
- Posts: 1508
- Joined:
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
>>>I dare to say that Colin Powell the man, has not lost an inch of respect abroad<<<
If you have followed the Bush Mantra you are respectfully DAMAGED GOODS by default.
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
Colin Powell should not have planned to attend anyway. It was an unnecssary politicization of the Olympics.
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
As far as I can tell the general view is that he may have been "well meaning" and did not promote the aggressive rethoric of the Bush group, but he nevertheless presented the ridiculous (and practically all refuted) "evidence" before the UNSC.
You don´t have much political credibility left after so obviously being usable for anything, even if people may still like you. If you´ve got no spine, a nice face won´t save you either.
You don´t have much political credibility left after so obviously being usable for anything, even if people may still like you. If you´ve got no spine, a nice face won´t save you either.
-
- rsmith6621a
- Posts: 1508
- Joined:
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
>Colin Powell should not have planned to attend anyway. It was an unnecssary politicization of the Olympics<
I hope his sudden emergency trip is profitable for the Bush family
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
Colin Powell should not have planned to attend anyway. It was an unnecssary politicization of the Olympics.
You mean, like Bush's pimping the Iraqi and Afghan Olympic teams in that shameless ad of his? Ah, gotcha.
You mean, like Bush's pimping the Iraqi and Afghan Olympic teams in that shameless ad of his? Ah, gotcha.
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
Collin Powell is one of the most respected leaders in the world, I would love for him to be president after W. These protest where not massive, and they have tarnished one of the best olympic games in my oppinion. Every leader of his contry has the right to go to see the olympics. Just becouse it is the US you have to make such a huge deal. Hope Turkey one day invades Greece and lets see who they will be calling first.
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
In principle, I don´t find anything objectionable with politicians in the olympic audience. Although members of the Bush administration might be a little distracting at the time...
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
Collin Powell is one of the most respected leaders in the world..
I respect Colin Powell-not as much as I used to, but I do respect him. But since when is he a "leader"? Seriously-he's TAKEN orders all his life. He's always in a position of subordination, not of leadership. He's certainly not one of the most respected leaders in the world, because LGW-Luftfahrtgesellschaft Walter (Germany)">HE DOESN'T LEAD ANYTHING.
These protest where not massive, and they have tarnished one of the best olympic games in my opinion.
If they weren't massive, then how the hell did they tarnish anything? The fact that the were protesting Bush? How 'bout Bush tarnishing the image of the Olypmics with his pathetic ad?
Hope Turkey one day invades Greece and lets see who they will be calling first.
Sure, just what the world needs, another war. Talk about small, bitter minds. You take the lead on the back stretch.
I respect Colin Powell-not as much as I used to, but I do respect him. But since when is he a "leader"? Seriously-he's TAKEN orders all his life. He's always in a position of subordination, not of leadership. He's certainly not one of the most respected leaders in the world, because LGW-Luftfahrtgesellschaft Walter (Germany)">HE DOESN'T LEAD ANYTHING.
These protest where not massive, and they have tarnished one of the best olympic games in my opinion.
If they weren't massive, then how the hell did they tarnish anything? The fact that the were protesting Bush? How 'bout Bush tarnishing the image of the Olypmics with his pathetic ad?
Hope Turkey one day invades Greece and lets see who they will be calling first.
Sure, just what the world needs, another war. Talk about small, bitter minds. You take the lead on the back stretch.
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
Luisca,
Thanks for your Turkish wishes, perhaps I should start a crash course of the language.
ps:
a/Colin (with a single L) Powell is not a leader, he only heads his department.
b/you do not have an oppinion, you might have an opinion.
Of course everybody is free to visit and attend the Games, but preferably in casual dress and for a non-official purpose.
Mr Powell projected to come with suit, tie and business card on an official visit, small difference.
Thanks for your Turkish wishes, perhaps I should start a crash course of the language.
ps:
a/Colin (with a single L) Powell is not a leader, he only heads his department.
b/you do not have an oppinion, you might have an opinion.
Of course everybody is free to visit and attend the Games, but preferably in casual dress and for a non-official purpose.
Mr Powell projected to come with suit, tie and business card on an official visit, small difference.
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
You left out this part:
Just hours before Powell was to arrive, Greece's Communist Party displayed a large banner at the site of the ancient Acropolis to protest his trip.
"Powell killer go home. Don't forget that civilians are being slaughtered in Najaf and a wall is being built in Palestine," read the banner, which was raised on one of the sides of the Acropolis Hill.
It was removed after Powell's visit was canceled.
Communist Party member Aristotelis Gontikas said Powell's cancelation was a victory for those opposed to American policies and was not targeted at Americans.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20040828/D84O7D400.html
Just hours before Powell was to arrive, Greece's Communist Party displayed a large banner at the site of the ancient Acropolis to protest his trip.
"Powell killer go home. Don't forget that civilians are being slaughtered in Najaf and a wall is being built in Palestine," read the banner, which was raised on one of the sides of the Acropolis Hill.
It was removed after Powell's visit was canceled.
Communist Party member Aristotelis Gontikas said Powell's cancelation was a victory for those opposed to American policies and was not targeted at Americans.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20040828/D84O7D400.html
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
I don't think that Powell cancelled his visit because of that small demonstration.
I'd have shot them all where they stood.
The Olympic Games is no place to start a political demonstration,even more so considering Athens is THE home of the Games.It is the world's most prestigious sporting event and any act to detract from that should be punished.
The world is getting too soft.
Last time I checked Greece is a free country and every citizen has the right to protest wether its Christmas, Easter Sunday or during the Olympic games. It's called democracy, I dunno if it applies to your country.
Hope Turkey one day invades Greece and lets see who they will be calling first.
Luisca, grow up. Are you really wishing for a war? You are touching a very sensitive subject right now. I am not very fond of the US as you obviously are not about my country. But I would never say something like "I really hope for another 9/11, that would teach the US another lesson". What you say is stupid and immature.
They are just upset because the Olympics are nearly over and their country will no longer be in the big spotlight.
Solarix, grow up too. We don't really give a damn about being in the big spotlight. Don't worry, your country will be back in it soon.
I'd have shot them all where they stood.
The Olympic Games is no place to start a political demonstration,even more so considering Athens is THE home of the Games.It is the world's most prestigious sporting event and any act to detract from that should be punished.
The world is getting too soft.
Last time I checked Greece is a free country and every citizen has the right to protest wether its Christmas, Easter Sunday or during the Olympic games. It's called democracy, I dunno if it applies to your country.
Hope Turkey one day invades Greece and lets see who they will be calling first.
Luisca, grow up. Are you really wishing for a war? You are touching a very sensitive subject right now. I am not very fond of the US as you obviously are not about my country. But I would never say something like "I really hope for another 9/11, that would teach the US another lesson". What you say is stupid and immature.
They are just upset because the Olympics are nearly over and their country will no longer be in the big spotlight.
Solarix, grow up too. We don't really give a damn about being in the big spotlight. Don't worry, your country will be back in it soon.
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
You know perfectly well I dont want Greece to be invaded, but I DO think that if something WOULD happen, Greece would cry USA HELP!. I DONT like the US's unconditionall alliance with Turkey. I dont trust Turkish leadership at all. And I do believe Cyprus should be free and Greek.
-
- Schoenorama
- Posts: 2305
- Joined:
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
Luisca:
"...but I DO think that if something WOULD happen, Greece would cry USA HELP!"
I doubt it. The Greek, with the exception of some Colonels didn't like it very much the last time the US 'helped' them.
Take a History course before you say stupidities!
"...but I DO think that if something WOULD happen, Greece would cry USA HELP!"
I doubt it. The Greek, with the exception of some Colonels didn't like it very much the last time the US 'helped' them.
Take a History course before you say stupidities!
RE: Powell Cancels Trip To Olympics
to many dickheads here, the greeks can protest when or wherever they like, personally i'm happy to see that Powell didn't show up, he is a member of a political party that went to war, the games spirit meant that wars ceased while competition took place, instead courtesy of GWB and it's allies trouble rages in Iraq, he had no place being in Athens.