Rome on high alert as Bush visit begins
Thousands of police today patrolled the streets of Rome as George Bush begins the first leg of a three-day European trip.
Mr Bush will meet Silvio Berlusconi and members of his Government, while he will also be meeting the Pope, who was vehemently opposed to a war in Iraq.
Entire neighbourhoods were closed off to traffic by police. An anti-war demonstration is expected to draw thousands of people later today.
Some anti-war protesters have said they will try to disrupt Bush’s visit, by blocking roads and attempting to break through barriers erected to protect his entourage.
Premier Silvio Berlusconi has said that he is “worried about the possible violence” at the demonstrations and the US Embassy has warned Americans to avoid the crowds massed for the protests, saying “not all demonstrations are expected to be peaceful”.
The area around Villa Taverna, the US Ambassador’s residence in a smart neighbourhood where Bush is staying, was cordoned off to traffic.
