ATHENS,Oct 29: The 2004 Olympic Games has finally become the nation’s top priority, and results must be quick to ensure success, Gianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki, chief organiser of the 2004 Games said in Athens Monday.

International Olympic Committe (IOC) President Jacques Rogge issued a stern warning in September during a visit that Athens was once again falling behind schedule, and “sustained construction activity” was needed if Greece was to meet its deadlines.

Daskalaki has blamed political inflighting and bureaucracy for delays in the construction of Olympic venues, and has said that the Olympics must become the government’s top priority.

In a nod to IOC warnings, Prime Minister Costas Simitis reorganized his cabinet last week by appointing six new deputy ministers to deal with Olympic preparations.

“The move by the prime minister proves the position of high priority that the organisation of the Games has for Greece. With these changes, the state’s interest in this big national issue is proven. We must all work harder and more efficiently to be effective,” Daskalaki said.

The ministries of culture, public order, defence, development, education and health each received a deputy minister in charge of Olympic preparations, including construction and security measures.

But many critics feel the additional appointments will actually slow down preparations and add another layer of bureacracy to the process.

“Projects which are easy to be done are not being completed because there is too much bureacracy in place to provide fast solutions,” said main opposition New Democracy Deputy Fani-Palli-Petralia told Flash radio.

Greece had two-thirds of its venues in place when it was awarded the 2004 Summer Games in 1997, but construction of roads, sports venues and hotels have fallen behind schedule.

The next IOC inspection visit is scheduled for Nov 21.—dpa