Thousands of demonstrators are gathering in sites around Washington to protest issues as diverse as corporate globalization to U.S. support for Israel. 

Near the headquarters of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund Saturday, protesters carried a 10-meter tall balloon of the Earth with a "For Sale" on it. 

The financial institutions are holding two days of meetings on the world economic situation and poverty relief. 

Non-governmental groups are taking advantage of the international spotlight on Washington to protest other issues, including U.S. aid for Colombia, the Bush administration's war on terrorism and Israeli treatment of the Palestinians. 

Meanwhile, about 100 people gathered on the National Mall to show their support for U.S. policies. 

Helicopters flew over Washington and police have been mobilized around the city, but the rallies so far have been peaceful. Washington Police Chief Charles Ramsey told the Associated Press the main concern for officers is to make sure that the groups do not harm each other. 

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters. 

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