Obama assured of safety of Americans in Sochi by US: W House

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama has been assured that the US is "taking all appropriate steps regarding the safety of Americans" at the upcoming Winter Olympics, the White House has said.

During a high-level meeting in the Situation Room yesterday, Obama was briefed on the security environment, cooperation with Russian authorities, and on the full range of US Government support for its athletes, delegation, and Americans attending the Olympics.

"The US has offered its full support and cooperation to Russian authorities, which are responsible for the Games," the White House said.

"He directed them to continue to work closely with the Russian Government and other partners toward a secure and successful Sochi games, and to review carefully and act on any new information that might affect the security of the Games," the White House added.

Those attending the meeting included Vice President Joe Biden, US Secretary of State John Kerry and National Security Advisor Susan Rice, among other top officials.