-Caveat Lector- WJPBR Email News List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Peace at any cost is a prelude to war! Protests banned around WTO meeting Police beef up presence; hundreds arrested Wednesday, December 1, 1999 SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER STAFF (Last updated 1:15 p.m.) Seattle police today declared a "demonstration-free zone" around the site of the World Trade Organization convention and immediately began arresting protesters entering the area. More than 200 people were in custody by midday, far exceeding the number arrested Tuesday when violence broke out in downtown Seattle as thousands of protesters tried to disrupt or halt WTO meetings. President Clinton, in town to meet with trade ministers from around the world, condemned the demonstrators who were involved in violent protests and vandalism. But he welcomed the peaceful protesters and told a Port of Seattle audience that he believes there should be greater public scrutiny and participation in world trade issues. In addition to imposing the no-protest zone today, Seattle police also banned anyone from possessing, using or selling gas masks in the city, under authority of a "civil emergency" declared Tuesday night. Some protesters have donned gas masks to stand their ground against police, and the no-gas-mask order gives officers the edge if they choose to use tear gas or pepper spray to disperse crowds. The no-protest zone (see map) covers about 50 city blocks around the state Convention and Trade Center, where most WTO activities are being held. Police officials said this morning that their initial tactic to try to let demonstrators and conferees coexist was inadequate. For more coverage, see our WTO index. Also see our Tuesday photo gallery. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- That became quickly evident Tuesday when scattered violence and vandalism broke out, prompting police in riot gear to use tear and pepper gas, rubber bullets and clubs to stop the demonstrations. A security guard inspects a broken bank window. Dan DeLong/P-I Damage in downtown was considerable -- broken windows, spray-painted buildings, looted stores and damaged goods. The opening session of the WTO had to be canceled, and many delegates were blocked from attending later WTO sessions. "The plan (Tuesday) was designed to allow both events to occur at the same time," said Ed Joiner, assistant chief of operations for the Seattle Police Department. "It didn't work." Joiner told a news conference the new tactic, in effect through the WTO convention, prohibits any demonstrations in an area bounded by Lenora and Seneca streets, and Fourth and Boren avenues. Officers wasted no time in implementing his order of "immediate arrests if any protesters go there." Even protesters who stayed outside the no-demonstration zone this morning caused some disruptions, with several running onto Interstate 5 at midday, others trying to block traffic on downtown streets and still others sitting down in intersections. The police presence was extensive throughout the downtown core today, and officers had little patience for disruptions. "We have the ability to make the number of arrests that are going to be necessary," Joiner said. But, just like Tuesday, the majority of demonstrators did not defy police. Many peacefully gathered to express their concerns about world trade, the WTO or particular policies. The civil emergency that allowed police to impose the no-protest zone in downtown Seattle was imposed Tuesday night by Mayor Paul Schell, who also ordered everyone out of downtown until sunrise. (See story on yesterday's demonstrations.) Police dispersed protesters with tear gas Tuesday. Dan DeLong/P-I As part of the order, National Guard units and State Patrol troopers were called in to relieve and back up local police. Authorities wanted to be ready to control any demonstrations that erupt today, when President Clinton is in town to attend WTO meetings. Joiner said police have "a large number of additional resources" today and "we're going to be very mobile." In contrast to the scores of protesters arrested today, fewer than 70 were arrested Tuesday. In addition, injuries have been infrequent. Authorities said fewer than 20 have been hurt since Tuesday's demonstrations got out of hand, and most of the injuries have been minor. Despite the outbreak of violence and vandalism Tuesday that shut down the city's core, the majority of protesters demonstrated peacefully when WTO delegates from 135 nations started their difficult round of talks aimed at reducing barriers to international trade. The WTO is essentially a committee of its member governments, operating by consensus as the members try to forge agreements to eliminate protectionist tariffs. But the movement to free trade around the world has become increasingly controversial as many tariffs are removed and countries increasingly challenge the non-tariff barriers to trade, such as labor laws and environmental regulations. Activists are working to head off plans to apply the free trade rules to investments. They also are working to short-circuit plans for liberalized trade in timber and other forest products, and other goods as part of the so-called accelerated tariff-liberalization idea. In addition, they want the WTO to butt out of discussions over genetically modified foods. **COPYRIGHT NOTICE** In accordance with Title 17 U. S. C. 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