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Mass sport events security likely to be tightened after Boston tragedy – view

Сertain additional measures, especially for marathons, will be adopted during the world athletics championship in Moscow in August 2013

SOCHI, April 16 (Itar-Tass) – Russian Athletics Federation /VFLA/ president Valentin Balakhnichev, in comments on the consequences of the Boston tragedy for world sports, said he believes security at mass sport events will be tightened.

"We have no other way out but to tighten security measures during large events. There is practically nothing now which would not be in terrorists' crosshairs; of course, the danger level differs by country; it is lower in Russia; but we cannot be safe from anything here, either," Balakhnichev said.

The VFLA president added that "security measures in Russia are at a very high level."

"There are three levels of protection from such threats, and I don't think we'll have to significantly change or enhance them during the world athletics championship in Moscow in August 2013. However, certain additional measures, especially for marathons, will be adopted. I believe the Boston terrorists made selective and well-considered decisions, although I have no necessary facts now; because of all mass sport events that gather crowds of spectators, it is only city events that security services cannot fully control," the official noted.