Leaders of Asia-Pacific nations meet under heavy security
Leaders of Asia-Pacific nations representing nearly half the world's trade met Saturday under the giant shells of Sydney's iconic Opera House amid the tightest security cloak in Australian history.
By Agencies |
SYDNEY: Leaders of Asia-Pacific nations representing nearly half the world's trade met Saturday under the giant shells of Sydney's iconic Opera House amid the tightest security cloak in Australian history.
The 21 leaders, including the presidents of China, Russia and the United States, were expected to press for action to free up global trade and to set "aspirational" goals to tackle climate change.
Meanwhile thousands of Iraq war protesters -- some kitted out as kangaroos and polar bears -- took to the streets beating drums and blowing whistles in a colourful rally closely guarded by police.
A large banner carried by one group read: "War criminals not welcome here -- Bush go home."
Police, who had earlier warned the march could erupt into violence, said three protesters had been arrested and two officers injured, although it was unclear why.
At the Opera House, choppers buzzed overhead and security forces patrolled the land and harbour waters as host Prime Minister John Howard greeted leaders arriving ahead of the official start of the Pacific Rim summit.
"I do very warmly welcome you to Sydney," he told them. "I trust you have a very enjoyable stay in this city of ours."
Leaders have been holding a series of face-to-face talks in the run-up to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
The 21 leaders, including the presidents of China, Russia and the United States, were expected to press for action to free up global trade and to set "aspirational" goals to tackle climate change.
Meanwhile thousands of Iraq war protesters -- some kitted out as kangaroos and polar bears -- took to the streets beating drums and blowing whistles in a colourful rally closely guarded by police.
A large banner carried by one group read: "War criminals not welcome here -- Bush go home."
Police, who had earlier warned the march could erupt into violence, said three protesters had been arrested and two officers injured, although it was unclear why.
At the Opera House, choppers buzzed overhead and security forces patrolled the land and harbour waters as host Prime Minister John Howard greeted leaders arriving ahead of the official start of the Pacific Rim summit.
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"I do very warmly welcome you to Sydney," he told them. "I trust you have a very enjoyable stay in this city of ours."
Leaders have been holding a series of face-to-face talks in the run-up to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
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