Italian authorities endorse anti-Bush demonstration

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A demonstration protesting a visit toRome by US President George W. Bush will go ahead as planned on Friday, top Italian government figures said here on Tuesday. A meeting between top political and security figures in Rome onTuesday gave the demonstrators clearance to march through the capital's central zone, but promised that at least 9,000 police officers would be deployed at strategic points.

In addition, the representatives agreed to ban all private aircraft from flying over the capital during the course of Bush's visit. "Bush's visit will have tight security as has been the case at other times when heads of state have visited during politically sensitive moments," said Italian Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators are expected to attend Friday 's march in Rome protesting against the Iraqi war and occupation, the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal and the presence of Italian troops in post-war Iraq.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-06/02/content_1502586.htm