The annual World Economic Forum - bringing together thousands of political, business and non-governmental leaders - has opened in New York City. Security is tight around the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, where the conference is being held. Attendees to the high-profile five-day meeting, usually held in Davos, Switzerland, include political leaders German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien. Other guests include Microsoft Head Bill Gates and financier George Soros.

Outside, about 4,000 police officers, some in riot gear, are re-routing traffic. Meanwhile, hundreds of police officers are also bracing for street protests, with concrete barriers ringing many buildings. Authorities have granted permits to some protest groups, but they also have vowed to clamp down on any sort of illegal behavior.

Outside the meeting, practitioners of the banned Chinese meditation sect Falun Gong demonstrated behind a police barricade, where they had draped a banner saying, "Help Stop State Terrorism in China." Later Thursday, a coalition of labor groups has organized a demonstration in front of the GAP flagship clothing store. The store is reportedly accused of getting its merchandise from developing countries that allow child labor.

Authorities are eager to avoid a repeat of last year's World Economic Forum in Davos, where angry protesters smashed windows, burned cars and clashed with police. Anti-global activists say planned protests during the forum will be peaceful.

The World Economic Forum decided to hold this year's meeting in New York as a gesture of solidarity with the city. This year's theme is "Leadership in Fragile Times: a Vision for a Shared Future."

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

Email this article to a friend
Printer Friendly Version