Managing Director of Athens 2004 Olympics Resigns

ATHENS, June 22—The Greek government has issued an announcement that Costas Bakouris, the Managing Director of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, handed in his resignation this morning. Prime Minister Costas Simitas has also appointed a new Board of Directors for the Organizing Committee.

Dimitris Reppas,a government spokesman, confirmed that he would have a role of responsibility in the preparations of the upcoming Games in Athens, however no exact explanation was given for the sudden decision to leave the ATHOC organizing committee.He confirmed that Bakouris had resigned in a climate of consesus and good will.

He has been replaced by the General Secretary of the Merchant Marine Ministry, Petros Sinadinos, who previously worked with Gianna Angelopoulos for the Athens 2004 bid campaign.

The ATHOC Organizing Committee recently was put under pressure with serious reprimands by the IOC President and the Coordination Commission headed by Dr. Jacques Rogge to fast track the works for the preparations and issued a 100 day deadline to get the program on schedule.

Ms. Angelopoulos was called in by Premier Simitis to take control of the situation and resume her position once again as President of the Organizing Committee.