Germany wary of WC threats
(AP)
Updated: 2006-04-01 09:39

Germany will reinstate border controls for spot checks after they were dismantled inside the European Union.

About 400 police and security officers from other World Cup nations will be sent to help German officers patrol stadiums, airports and train stations. England will send 45 in uniform abroad for the first time.

"Germany will be the benchmark for the World Cup," Stephen Thomas, head of the English police effort. "I can say without a doubt the level of cooperation is without comparison."

He didn't share German fears of violence at public viewing areas.

"As long as they are treated like stadiums, I don't expect any problems," Thomas said.

But the killings at the 1972 Olympics has cast a long shadow in the country.

"Terrorism has a whole other dimension here in Germany because of Munich," Hanning said. "But we are hopeful we can live up to our official slogan, 'The World Cup hosted by friends.'"


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