ATHENS, Aug 8: Having soaked up years of stern warnings and harsh words, Athens Olympic organisers were on Sunday given a resounding vote of confidence by IOC President Jacques Rogge.

"These Games will really be very, very good," Rogge told a news conference after meeting the Greek organisers. "The International Olympic Committee is extremely pleased by the preparations and we are very glad to see that the promises made to us have been kept.

"The IOC repeatedly said we believed there was enough time to finish everything if the organisers showed a sense of urgency. They have done that. "They have delivered on time. For us there is a great sense of satisfaction.

"We look forward to the Games. We've got a very strong organising team and we think these Games will be very, very good." Athens 2004 president Gianna Angelopoulos was upbeat after her meeting with the IOC.

"Today we had the opportunity to welcome President Rogge and the IOC Executive Board to an Athens that has truly become an Olympic City, once again," she said.

"THIS WAS MY REPORT: We're ready. Our venues are ready. Our people are ready. The tram, metro, light rail and Olympic lanes are open. The athletes of the world are training in our venues.

"Athens is proudly wearing our Olympic colours. "Our top priority is being implemented: the most comprehensive, best-staffed and best-funded security operation in the history of the Olympic Games is in place.

"The Greek people are determined to make these Games a success - and a celebration. We invite the world to discover the true meaning and spirit of the Olympic tradition and the new Greece that, this week, has the honour of welcoming the Olympic Games home." -Reuters