Powell Cancels Athens Visit

Though the official statement from the US is that Powell can't attend because of "urgent responsibilities", there remains little doubt that the cancellation of the visit is linked to the strong protests and demonstrations against US foreign policy in Athens on Friday.

About 2,000 demonstrators marched though Athens on Friday in the first protest during the Olympics, chanting slogans against US foreign policy in Iraq. Hundreds of riot police carrying shields clashed with protesters who smashed windows, lit fires and beat up journalists.

The police prevented protesters from ending their march at the US Embassy as planned -- instead the two sides faced off in front of the Greek Parliament building.

"Powell is the man who peddled Bush's lies on Iraq," said protest organizer, Yiannis Sifahakis. "He is a murderer and we don't want him here."

Appeal for order

Before the protest, Greek Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis appealed to Greeks participating in the demonstrations to act in an orderly fashion so as not to ruin the positive image of Greece beamed around the world during the Olympics.

But if Friday's protest action has marred what has been an otherwise peaceful Games.

Anti-Americanism in the stands

American athletes and tourists in Athens have been on the receiving end of anti-American sentiment at the Olympic venues, though individual Greeks say the jeers and booing are more an expression of frustration with the US government than Americans themselves.

Boos have cropped up at several sporting events such as basketball and volleyball, where American athletes had strong medal chances. On Thursday night, the start of the 200 meters race was delayed while the 75,000 strong crowed booed and chanted "Kenteris" -- the name of the champion Greek sprinter who was prevented from competing in the race due to a still unresolved doping controversy.

The three Americans who made a clean sweep of the race took a diplomatic stance. "I can understand that they were upset but I don't know why they have to react like this," said Shawn Crawford, the gold medal winner.

American tourists who have spent a lot of money to attend the Olympic Games have been less understanding.

"The Greeks boo us. I don't mind them cheering their own team, but they boo us. I went to the basketball game between the US and Puerto Rico and they booed us so much that I thought I wanted to rip up my €3,000 worth of tickets and go home," one woman told Reuters news agency.