President of Athens 2004 Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki dismissed recent fears about security, accommodation and transport.

"We have a great team working very hard and we will be ready on time," she said.

"No project is behind, they are on schedule and some are even ahead of schedule."

She added that a massive security operation was being launched ahead of the Games.

"We are doing the best we can to host a safe and secure Games," she said.

"We have the best experts from all around the world."

They include Peter Ryan, a former British policeman and head of security at the Sydney Games, who will perform a similar role in Athens.

Angelopoulos-Daskalaki's comments come in the wake of reports of delays in the construction of facilities for the Games.

Work on transforming the old Hellenikon airport into a multi-sports complex has only just begun.

'Drastic' action

And several other venues and road construction projects are said to be behind schedule.

Meanwhile, some reports claim that the �1.2 billion budget for infrastructure changes has already been spent and that cost-cutting measures will have to be taken.

Earlier this week, the Greek government urged organisers of the Games to speed up preparations for the Games and to take "drastic measures" where necessary.

An International Olympic Committee inspection team will visit Athens next month to monitor how work is progressing.

Angelopoulos-Daskalaki refused to be drawn on specific projects but insisted that preparations were on schedule.

"Don't worry, everything will be ready," she said.