Putin thanks FSB for ensuring security of Sochi Olympics
MOSCOW. April 7 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said he thanked officers of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) for their efficient work during the Sochi Olympics.
Putin started his speech at an extended FSB board meeting with thanking FSB officers, who have recently ensured security for such major international events as the Universiade in Kazan, G20 meeting in St. Petersburg, and Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Sochi. These events evoked much interest and attributed to the growth of Russia's international authority, Putin said. Mistakes and misjudgments of special services during such events have a high price, this refers in particular to the tragedy of the Munich Olympics, the president said.
"We are aware of the threats voiced regarding our country from various terrorist and extremist groups and their patrons. They attempted to intimidate and blackmail Russia openly ahead of these events and it can be said today that the multi-level security system built for the Olympics and other forums worked successfully," Putin said.
This is the merit and huge work of thousands people - officers of counter-terrorism subdivisions, border guards, field investigators, and analysts, the president said.
"It is a pity that the person who managed all these measures directly on site in Sochi is not here today - he is sick - but a personal thank-you for him as well," Putin said.