Security tight as Blair heads for Sardinian luxury
Security was heightened on the Sardinian’s exclusive Emerald Coast today for the arrival of British prime minister Tony Blair, who was to stay at the luxury villa of his Italian counterpart and close ally Silvio Berlusconi.
While the offices of the two leaders have declined comment on details of the visit, which has been described as strictly a private affair, Italian TV stations have shown the stepped up security measures near the villa at Porto Roton.
Canale 5, part of billionaire Berlusconi’s media empire, showed police carrying out checks on cars travelling on a road near the villa. Police with dogs patrolled the outskirts of the villa.
The measures for Mr Blair’s visit come against a backdrop of tight security across the country following a series of threats against Italy in recent weeks over its troops in Iraq. The threats have been published on Islamic Web sites.
Italian media have reported that Berlusconi made plans to entertain Mr Blair at a newly constructed amphitheatre, reminiscent of ancient Roman arenas, on Villa Certosa’s sprawling grounds.
It was reported that the two leaders would have fish for supper, then listen to some after-dinner music by one the Italian premier’s favourite musicians.
A boating trip was planned for the leaders tomorrow.
Last year Berlusconi hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin at the villa.
