Tight security surrounds Davos


Protests similar to this anti-globalisation demonstration are planned

DAVOS, Switzerland -- Anti-globalisation protesters are preparing to breach a ban on demonstrations at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Hundreds of soldiers and police have been patrolling the small ski village, laying barbed wire barricades and checking all motorists.

About 3,200 politicians, business people and cultural leaders will attend the 31st forum to discuss international trade and economies.

Despite the demonstration ban, protest organisers say more than the 1,000 protesters who showed up at last year's forum are converging on Davos.

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Patricia Kelly reports on the Swiss police's fears of violence

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Last year's protests turned violent, with two police officers injured and protesters damaging a local McDonald's fast-food outlet.

"We want to prevent these self-titled 'global leaders' from meeting behind closed doors to decide the future of the planet to their favour," according to a statement by Anti-World Trade Organization Co-ordination, the group leading the protests.

Swiss police have called in reinforcements from across Switzerland and Liechtenstein and drafted in 600 soldiers.

In an advice booklet, the protesters suggested demonstrators carry gas masks and items they may need if they are arrested.

It advises against bringing contact lenses and the liquid solutions they require: "You can be arrested for carrying chemical agents."

The U.S., concerned about possible violent protests, has advised its citizens to avoid Davos during the event. Protest organisers said on Wednesday that they would appeal against the demonstration ban in the Swiss Supreme Court.

Swiss police have urged even peaceful protesters to stay away from Davos for fear they could fuel violent anti-globalisation clashes.

"There are peaceful demonstrators who are always welcome here. But on Saturday there is a ban on demonstrations and therefore I call on peaceful protesters not to come to Davos," Peter Aliesch, the head of police in the Swiss canton of Grisons, told Reuters.

"They are simply supporting indirectly those who want to cause a riot. Violence does not serve the world's poorest, it only harms people in Davos," he said.

The forum agenda includes the impact of a projected slowdown in the U.S. economy, new ways for companies to do business and the changing face of the Internet.

The summit will also play host to Balkan leaders hoping to sketch a new economic map, including the possible creation of a customs union.

The summit, whose motto is "committed to improving the state of the world," sees itself as a chance for the world's decision makers to get together in a relaxed atmosphere -- with a break for skiing.

International trade will be high on the agenda, with the present and future heads of the World Trade Organization, Mike Moore and Supachai Panitchpakdi present.

More than 30 heads of state or government and other politicians as well as business leaders such as Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and the heads of almost every U.N. agency are attending.

Although some U.S. governors are in Davos, there is no one from the administration of newly inaugurated President George W. Bush.

The Associated Press & Reuters contributed to this report.