Top Story Replay -- Russia Reveals Olympics Terror Threat, IOC Confident in Security

(ATR) Russia's security chief says militant groups are threatening to launch terror attacks on Sochi to thwart preparations for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

"The threat of terrorist acts is turning into a factor, which exerts substantial influence on political decision-making," the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB) Alexander Bortnikov was quoted by Russian news agency ITAR-TASS at a security conference on Thursday.

"For instance, a real threat coming from Al Qaeda was the cause for canceling the motor race Dakar-2008 for the first time in the history of this prestigious race."

"In this respect, the intentions of several warlords are looming to put into practice a similar scenario ahead of the Winter Olympics 2014," he added.

Bortnikov did not make reference to any specific attacks planned on Sochi. According to a Voice of Russia report, he said that since the beginning of the year the FSB has prevented 23 terrorist attacks in Russia and arrested more than 250 people in connection with the incidents.

The Black Sea resort city of Sochi is close to Russia's North Caucasus region where authorities have battled to contain a long-running Islamist insurgency.

But the IOC tells Around the Rings it is not concerned about reported plans by terrorists to foil 2014 Games preparations.

"We continue to have full confidence in the Russian authorities and their ability to handle the security situation in Sochi," said Mark Adams, the IOC's director of communications.

Bortnikov's comments came at the meeting of special services chiefs in Yekaterinburg, central Russia, which reportedly brought together delegations from 63 countries to discuss counter-terrorism measures.

Only last month, Russian president Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree "to impose strengthened security measures"for the Games.

The exact security measures, which have not been disclosed, would reflect "both national and international experience in holding such major sports events".

The tightening of security follows attacks by Islamist militants in the regions bordering the Krasnaya Polyana mountains where snow sports will be staged at the 2014 Games.

Sochi Shows Environmental Commitment

Sochi 2014 will be taking part in the United Nations Environment Program ‘The Billion Tree campaign’ on World Environment Day this Saturday.

Officials will be planting 100 trees in Sochi to show their commitment to improving the region’s environment.

Sochi’s Mayor Anatoliy Pakhomov and Sochi 2014 President Dmitry Chernyshenko are expected to participate in the event.

New Mobile-Friendly Website

A new version of Sochi 2014's website has been launched specifically designed to allow mobile phone users to navigate the site with ease.

Visitors to the site can also use an interactive map of the main Olympic venues, which can be found on the homepage.

Interfaith Chapel to Open in Olympic Village

An "Interconfessional Center" will service the religious needs of athletes staying in Sochi’s Olympic Village.

Gennady Gubin, head of Olimpstroy told the Interfax news agency "we respect representatives of all world religions, experts of the state corporation met with regional leaders of Christian, Buddhist, Muslim and Jewish confessions in order to consider all their wishes when creating such a center."

Gubin says the center will promote Olympic ideals.

The center will have separate areas for members of each faith.

Written by Mark Bisson.