ATHENS, 29 August 2004 — US Secretary of State Colin Powell abruptly canceled plans to attend tomorrow’s Olympics closing ceremony in Athens, a visit which had triggered angry protests from anti-war groups.

The State Department said the cancellation was forced in part because of events in Iraq and Sudan.

US and Greek officials denied Powell changed plans because of protests against US foreign policy that were dispersed when police hurled tear gas on Friday at about 1,000 demonstrators headed in the direction of the US Embassy in Athens.

But Greek activists, who said the threat of street protests also forced Powell to cancel a trip in 2003, were crowing with victory.

“Of course, the cancellation was linked to our protests,” activist Yiannis Sifakakis told Reuters. “This is a huge victory for the anti-war movement which protested by the thousands in the streets of Athens last night.”

US foreign policy on issues ranging from the Middle East conflict, its war on terror and the war in Iraq is deeply unpopular among Greeks.

Yesterday Greek activists hoisted a massive banner saying “Powell Killer Go Home” on the Acropolis hillside towering over Athens to protest against his planned 24-hour visit. A Greek government source described the use of the site as deplorable.

Later, about 1,500 members of the Greek Communist Party peacefully marched through Athens chanting “Get the Killer Imperialists Out of Greece.”

“NATO, Out of the Olympics!” the protesters chanted, a reference to the alliance’s role in helping provide security for the games — the most costly in Olympic history with a budget of €1.2 billion ($1.5 billion).

But some were outraged that demonstrations were being held during the Olympics, fearing they could jeopardize the festive atmosphere. “You should have done this after the celebration,” an elderly woman yelled at the protesters.

Some Americans in central Syndagma Square appeared startled at a procession of red flag-waving Greeks carrying posters vilifying Powell. “Powell is anything but a killer. This makes me sick to the stomach. It is very disheartening,” said Judith Foudy, a tourist from California.

“Secretary of State Colin Powell informed Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis that due to the press of business in Washington the secretary would not be able to travel to Athens to attend the closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games,” State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said in a statement.

Powell called Molyviatis on Friday and “expressed his congratulations to the government and people of Greece for hosting a spectacular, safe and successful Olympics.”

The Greek government said the two agreed Powell would visit Greece in the first half of October.

The International Olympic Committee declined to comment on Powell’s decision.

A senior US official hinted that Powell’s trip might have caused unspecified difficulties for Greece, which has mounted a major security operation to keep the Olympics safe.

“The Greeks have done a terrific job with the Olympics and the last thing that we want to do is have complications with a trip that might detract from their success,” said the official, who asked not to be named.