After some strong words of warning last week from IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch, Greek Premier Costas Simitis has said his government will make the Olympics one of its top priorities.

The premier was giving a speech to parliament outlining its plans for the next its 4-year term, after winning its re-election bid earlier this month.

The Olympic preparations have been bogged down by bureaucratic red tape over the past several months, which has delayed construction and issues like accomodation.

Many in Greece expect the government to make changes to the organising committee members in the upcoming weeks in order to deal with the problem.