Security stepped up in Singapore ahead of major IMF
conference
Aug 31, 2006, 3:33 GMT
Singapore - Security has been tightened in Singapore ahead of a
major international conference, with a warning issued Thursday that
police will take all appropriate measures against protestors
threatening the life or health of others, including the use of
firearms.
More than 10,000 police officers are working with the military and
other agencies to ensure the largest international gathering ever
held in the city-state - hosted by the International Monetary Fund
and World Bank from September 13 to 20 - goes without a
hitch.
'If anybody behaves in a way that threatens the life of another or
threatens serious injury to another, then the police will use all
necessary means to prevent that from happening,' The Straits Times
quoted Senior Assistant Commissioner Aubeck Kam as saying.
'In appropriate situations, this may extend to the use of firearms
and the possibility of death,' he said.
'We will not entertain any notion of allowing groups of people to
gather and form into larger and larger groups,' he added.
The public has also been advised to expect random checks at
shopping centres, commercial buildings and transit points.
Sixteen-thousand delegates are due to attend the conference and
run-up meetings.
Despite the World Bank's call for advocates of different causes to
be allowed at outside venues, police reiterated the only venue for
engagement with the delegates is a section of the lobby in Suntec
City, where the meetings will be held.
'We are prepared to deal with protesters in a firm, decisive, but
fair manner,' Kam said.
Additional police are coming to help from Indonesia, the Antara
News Agency reported.
A warning on Australia's travel advisory Web site cited potential
civil unrest and political tension in the city-state.
'Penalties include heavy fines and imprisonment,' the Australian
government said in advising its citizens.
Thousands of protestors have indicated they will confine their
activities to the Indonesian island of Bintan, a short ferry ride
away from Singapore, where authorities warned earlier that violent
protesters could be caned.
Only 400 people from groups outside Singapore will be allowed at
Suntec City to assure that the scenario at last December's World
Trade Organization meeting in Hong Kong is not repeated. Police had
fired tear gas at violent protest groups and arrested more than
1,000 people.
Apart from plainclothes police officers, video cameras and air
force helicopters will also monitor crowds. Officers armed with
intelligence from foreign police forces have started looking out
for known troublemakers at immigration checkpoints.
The ongoing security sweep caps more than five years of planning
and rehearsals, which started in 2001 after Singapore was selected
as host city for this year's IMF/World Bank session.
'We examined security street by street, floor by floor of all the
venues affected,' Kam said.
© 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur
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