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Unprecedented security plan for Merkel's Athens visit includes ban on rallies
Attica police have banned all demonstrations in downtown Athens on
Tuesday, when Chancellor Angela Merkel is due to arrive for talks with
Prime Minister Antonis Samaras.
In the biggest security operation
mounted in the Greek capital since US President Bill Clinton visited in
1999, more than 7,000 police officers are to be placed on duty to
prevent Merkel’s visit being disrupted.
However, it is the
police’s decision to ringfence a large area around the city center and
negate the plans of unions to hold an anti-austerity protest in front of
Parliament that has drawn most attention.
The police issued a
statement that any public gatherings or marches would be banned between 9
a.m. and 10 p.m. on Tuesday. It said the decision was being taken in
the interests of public safety and the city’s “socioeconomic life”.
Greece's
two largest unions, GSEE and ADEDY, are likely to look for an
alternative location to hold their rallies. Klafthmonos Square and
Pedion tou Areos park are two possible alternatives.
Parking
around the German embassy in Athens will be banned from Monday night and
barricades will be put up around Parliament. Snipers will also be
placed around the hotel where the German delegation will stay.
The German chancellor’s route from the airport to her meetings in Athens will be lined with policemen.
Merkel is due to meet President Karolos Papoulias as well as Samaras during her brief stay in Athens. | 
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