----- Original Message ----- From: secr(MG!) <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2000 11:50 AM Subject: [mobilize-globally] Ohio Braces for World Bank Protests Ohio Braces for World Bank Protests October 29, 2000 By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS CINCINNATI (AP) -- Police and protesters are getting ready for a visit next month by more than 100 CEO's from both sides of the Atlantic. Executives from Europe and the U.S. attending the Trans Atlantic Business Dialogue are coming to talk about trade and investment and to discuss ways of eliminating costly regulations. But their critics will be out in force, saying the group favors total global economic control by the rich and powerful and disregards human rights and the environment. Police say they're ready for any confrontation, but that most protesters gathering here for the Nov. 16-18 conference will be peaceful. ``They've assured me that they're nonviolent and I have no reason not to believe that. If not, we're well-trained in these things,'' said Capt. Vince Demasi. In Seattle last year, tens of thousands of demonstrators converged on the city during a World Trade Organization meeting, some of them looting and vandalizing buildings. Police using tear gas and rubber bullets arrested more than 500 people. The disruptions cost the city almost $10 million in extra security. Cincinatti police say the FBI and other law-enforcement agencies are helping and local authorities are ready to work 12-hour shifts. Local airports say they plan extra security and will whisk the business leaders downtown when they arrive. ``We sure don't want to blow this,'' said Ted Bushelman, spokesman for the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport. ``These are big companies. These people can make decisions on whether or not to put a plant in your area,'' he said. Planners say more than 500 people, including U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers and officials from the European Union, are expected to attend. One local group, the Coalition for a Humane Economy, said they expect some out-of-towners will join their nonviolent protest. The group wants environmental laws written into trade agreements and would like to see ordinary citizens have some say in the trade process. ---- On the Net: Trans Atlantic Business Dialogue: <<3d.htm>http://www.tabd.com> Coalition for a Humane Economy: <<3d.htm>http://www.CHE-2000.org>
