Greek president Constantinos Stefanopoulos has launched a scathing attack on critics of the preparations for the 2004 Olympic Games which start here Friday.

In an unprecedented speech delivered to the 120-plus members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) attending the opening of the 116th session, the country's president admitted he was bitter over what he described as unjustified attacks on the Greek organisers.

"I personally feel bitter when, beyond the balance and justified recommendations voiced by your committee," he told president Jacques Rogge and the IOC members.

"I came across a number of malevolent or ironical comments by others who were anticipating an organisational failure, and rejoicing in advance.

"What I cannot admit is the assertion in that awarding the Games to Greece you (IOC) supposedly committed an error," he said.

Stefanopoulos then called on the IOC to invest in concerts, dance performances, dances and exhibitions surrounding the Games, insisting this was a way to rid the modern Games of their sometimes tarnished image.

"I'm talking about the problems that occasionally tarnish noble competition, and bring sport into disrepute," he added.

"Said problems have acquired such dimensions that it is very difficult to make them disappear completely.

"I believe that the negative aspects of the modern Games could be outweighed thanks to the positive contribution of the cultural events accompanying them," he said.

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