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Ukrainian blasts 'not linked' to Euro 2012 security in Poland, says government

PR dla Zagranicy
Peter Gentle 30.04.2012 12:20
As Ukraine police issue photos of a man wanted in connection with the bomb attacks in eastern Ukraine, security during Euro 2012 in Poland will not be affected, say Polish officials.

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Photo: PAP/EPA/Ukrainian security service

Four bombs exploded in the eastern Ukraine city of Dnipropetrovsk on Friday, injuring 27 people, including nine children, in what the Ukrainian government has described as an "act of terrorism."

Dnipropetrovsk is not far from Donetsk, which will be staging group matches during the tournament and it is feared that the adverse publicity will keep fans away from the stadiums in Ukraine

According to a statement issued by Poland's Internal Security Agency, however there is no cause for concern about the security situation in Poland or reasons to consider a change in the terrorist threat level - currently set at the lowest, green code.

“We are more concerned with what can take place in the supporters zones in host cities. But I think it will be peaceful, and all supporters will have a good time,” Interior Minister Jacek Cichocki told the Polish Press Agency (PAP).

Andrzej Halicki, of the ruling Civic Platform (PO) party, said the explosions have damaged the international image of Ukraine, but that in Poland, “the safety of Euro 2012 is guaranteed”.

Other politicians warn that the blasts could not only affect attendance levels in Ukraine but Poland as well.

“There will be financial consequences of what happened,” Andrzej Rozenek of the opposition Palikot Movement told Polish Radio.

“There will be less football supporters and tourists, as they will fear for their safety, and saying 'Poland is no Ukraine' won't help,” he added.

Ukraine police have issued images of those they believe to be connected with the bomb attacks and are working on the assumption that the four devices placed in rubbish bins were planted by criminal gangs. (pg/ab)

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