The Commonwealth Games Federation has issued a security update
Security in Delhi remains a top priority for CGC. As we continue to closely monitor the situation in collaboration with the RCMP, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has issued an update on security planning and preparations for the Delhi Games in October.
Wednesday, February 17th 2010
Dear All
On January 11th this year the Federation (CGF) issued a release stating it’s view that security planning for the Games was on track (see below), that remains our view despite the recent tragic bombing in Pune; and reports that an Al Qaeda militant has directly threatened Delhi 2010, in addition to the Hockey World Cup and Indian Premier League cricket.
The CGF continues to monitor closely the security environment in Delhi and is in regular and frequent contact with Indian authorities and the Organising Committee in relation to Games security. We are also receiving regular advice from our Security Advisers, Intelligent Risks (IR), who are constantly assessing security issues that could potentially affect the Games; they are liaising at a high level with officials in India and internationally with regard to potential security threats to the Games.
The CGF continues to take any and all potential threats to Games very seriously. We currently have no definitive information that indicates the recent bombing or threatening rhetoric has in fact increased the threat level for the Commonwealth Games or other major sporting events in India. Unfortunately, further threatening rhetoric against the Games is likely in the lead up to October. The Indian authorities in collaboration with international agencies will assess these on a case by case basis as they may occur and as may be necessary adapt security planning accordingly.
The commitment given to the Games Family by the Government of India to ensuring the delivery of a safe and secure Commonwealth Games in October is unwavering and the view expressed by the CGF last month that security planning for the Games is on track was backed up by the London Metropolitan Police after a visit to Delhi in January, i.e. they also voiced satisfaction with the level of security planning for the Games.
The CGF and IR, will continue to focus on security planning for the Games to satisfy itself that it remains commensurate with the assessed threats. To this end, IR conducts regular reviews of Games security planning on behalf of the CGF, with the next review scheduled for late February/early March, at which time IR will report back to the CGF on the situation.
IR will be present at the forthcoming Chef de Missions Seminar in Delhi and they, along with senior representatives from the Delhi Police and the OC will provide a full briefing on arrangements at this point.
Please be assured that the CGF will continue to give this issue the utmost priority.
Kind regards
Mike Hooper
Chief Executive Officer
Commonwealth Games Federation
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E-Mail: m.hooper@thecgf.com
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