Olympic flame to return Down Under, as officials set aside differences

SYDNEY, (AFP) — The Olympic torch is to return to Sydney after an absence of four years on Friday -- but only after Greek and Australian officials resolved a gold-medal spat that threatened the visit Downunder.

Sydney, host of the 2000 Games, will be the first stop in the international leg of the torch relay ahead of the Athens Games beginning August.

The famous torch will visit 34 cities across the globe as Athens organisers seek to ignite the Olympic spirit before the Games return to their ancient home.

But the goodwill almost evaporated in the lead up to the Sydney event after Canberra upgraded its travel warnings about Greece following the bombing of an Athens police station and heated exchanges between officials on who should be responsible for protecting the Australian leg of the torch relay.

The stalemate ended with a deal giving Greek officials responsibility for logistic and operational ...