WASHINGTON, Aug 28: US Secretary of State Colin Powell abruptly cancelled plans to attend the Olympics closing ceremonies in Athens on Sunday in part because of events in Iraq and Sudan, the State Department said.

US officials denied Powell changed plans because of protests against US foreign policy that were dispersed when police hurled tear gas on Friday at about 1,000 demonstrators headed in the direction of the US embassy in Athens.

On Saturday Greek activists hoisted a massive banner saying "Powell Killer Go Home" on the Acropolis hillside towering over Athens to protest against his planned 24-hour visit.

"Secretary of State Colin Powell informed Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis that due to the press of business in Washington the secretary would not be able to travel to Athens to attend the closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said in a statement.-Reuters