Obviously an embarrassment to the Bush administration they would rather avoid during the GOP convention:

Powell cancels trip to Olympics

US Secretary of State Colin Powell has cancelled plans to attend the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games this weekend, citing a busy work schedule.

A state department spokesman said Mr Powell had called off the visit due to the "press of business in Washington".

The announcement came only hours after clashes erupted in Athens as protesters rallied to condemn the planned visit.

Marchers shouted angry slogans against the Bush administration and its operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The BBC's Richard Galpin writes from Athens that the cancellation of Mr Powell's visit is highly embarrassing for the Greek authorities, coming after what has otherwise been a very successful Olympics.

The protest movement has hailed the US decision as a "huge victory".

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