Medvedev urges 2014 Olympic security

SOCHI, Russia, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Friday the government must be ready to deal with any attempts to disrupt the 2014 Olympic Games in the city of Sochi.

Medvedev told a meeting of Russia's Security Council, which was also attended by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and the ministers of foreign affairs, defense and interior, security will be a prime concern during the Winter Olympics due to the city's proximity to the unstable Northern Caucasus and former Georgian republic Abkhazia, RIA Novosti reported Friday.

"Forces that try to disrupt the Olympics must be detected and brought to justice," Medvedev said.

"You are also fully aware that we have certain problems with our neighbor, Georgia," he said. "All issues that require special attention from our foreign ministry, law enforcement agencies and special services must be dealt with."

Medvedev said officials must "create a solid shield against any provocations." He said "planning security measures requires additional focus and discussion."

Officials in Georgia, which briefly fought a war against Russia in August 2008, have opposed Russia being the host for the 2014 Games. The Georgian National Olympic requested the Games be moved from Sochi for security reasons but the International Olympic Committee said security measures are up to the host country.