Athens tightens security ahead of Turkish president's visit

by Alexia Vlachou

ATHENS, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Security around Athens has been tightened as the Greek capital is expected to receive Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday, the first visit by a Turkish head of state to the country in 65 years.

A large part of the Greek capital will be on lockdown, while snipers will be deployed on rooftops and public buildings along the route Erdogan will use during his two-day visit to the city, Athens News Agency (AMNA) reported.

Some 3,000 Greek police officers have been involved into the security operation, together with some 200 Turkish security personnel.

Greek Citizen Protection Minister Nikos Toskas headed a meeting on Monday with Greek and Turkish police officers to arrange security issues ahead of Erdogan's visit, according to AMNA.

All protest rallies and marches have been banned in Athens during Erdogan's stay.

As a precautionary measure, the public will be forbidden from congregating in a large part of Athens, especially near Syntagma Square.

Erdogan is expected to hold talks with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to discuss issues that affect bilateral relations, the refugee crisis, security in the wider region, and EU-Turkish ties.

Closer economic cooperation will also be discussed with a special focus on joint projects currently underway. Enditem