January 10, 2002

Mr. Don Hewitt
Executive Producer
"60 Minutes", CBS
524 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019

Dear Mr. Hewitt:

Your broadcast of "60 Minutes" (January 6, 2002) showcased a disturbingly one-sided segment by co-host Ed Bradley on the threat of terrorism in Greece from "November 17" and the implications for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. While the aim of this broadcast may have been to shed light on an admittedly elusive and dangerous terrorist group, your report flagrantly sidestepped the rules of fair and unbiased journalism by giving no air time to other sides of the story. Most notably, the story did not include:

1.  The first-hand perspective of Greek authorities and their efforts to combat domestic and international terrorism, including any segments from an interview conducted by Mr. Bradley with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou (Athens News Agency report, January 8,2002).

2.  The first-hand perspective of current U.S. officials in the State Department, including Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Ambassador to Greece Nick Burns, current U.S. Ambassador to Greece Thomas J. Miller, and the State Department's "Patterns of Global Terrorism -- 2000" report, which states:

"The Greek Government undertook some meaningful steps to combat terrorism -- especially in the wake of the Revolutionary Organization 17 November's (17 November) murder of UK Defense Attach=E9 Saunders in Athens -- including efforts to persuade a historically skeptical public of the damage inflicted by terrorism on Greece's interests and international reputation. The government strengthened the police counterterrorism unit, implemented a multimillion-dollar reward program, and began drafting legislation to provide a legal basis for more vigorous counterterrorism efforts. Greek, British, and US experts cooperated closely in the still ongoing investigation of the Saunders murder."

Ambassador Niles did little about this matter during his tenure in Greece and Wayne Merry was in the political section at the Embassy and not directly involved in this issue.

The U.S. and Greek governments have developed a close working relationship to fight terrorism. New cooperation agreements have been signed with the FBI and new laws enacted to facilitate investigations. Former Ambassador Burns played a leading role in this effort during his years in Greece (1997-2001). Why wasn't he interviewed?

As Colin L. Powell stated on October 2, 2001, "I was very reassured by [Mr. Papandreou] about the efforts that are being made by the Greek Government to make sure that the Games go off smoothly, safely and in the truest Olympic spirit."

3.  The first-hand perspective of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), including IOC President Jacques Rogge's satisfaction with Athens 2004 Organizing Committee's (ATHOC) current security measures for safeguarding the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

4.  The ATHOC leadership's perspective, including their past, present and future initiatives to ensure that any and every security precaution and measure is taken to safeguard the athletes, event officials and observers from start to finish of the 2004 Olympic Games.

Athens is looking forward to peaceful Olympic Games, but is formidably prepared for any challenge. The Greek government has pledged $600 million for security at the Games and has charted out a comprehensive plan -- approved by the IOC -- which will deploy 50,000 police, army, coast guard and commando units, all equipped with the latest technology. 1,000 video cameras will also monitor events from key locations.

On a broader scale, cooperation with international law enforcement agencies -- including the FBI, Scotland Yard and other European law enforcement agencies -- has intensified to prevent and deter any source of terrorism, both domestic and international (seehttps://www.greece.gr/POLITICS/International/crimefighters.stm).

All of the above sources would contradict the unrealistic portrait of "Greece as terrorist haven" painted by the sources featured on your program. In reality, Greece is a country that enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in all of the European Union.

Disappointingly, your coverage missed all of these points.

The scourge of terrorism is a universal threat. As Atlanta and Munich discovered during their Olympic Games, terrorism can strike anywhere -- even the most prepared of venues. Tragically, the perpetrator of the Atlanta Olympic bombing, which claimed one life and injured others, still remains at-large.

As a top-rated television news magazine that enjoys a large and widespread audience, we sincerely hope and request that you revisit this issue in a quest to portray a more balanced, fair and up-to-date story. Anything less calls into question the journalistic integrity of the program.

Respectfully,

[SIGNED]
Nick Larigakis
Executive Director