WASHINGTON, April 11: Washington again is a fenced city, at least partially. By Friday afternoon, police had fenced most of the roads leading to the White House and the World Bank, the two main targets of the protesters who are once again gathering in the US capital to demand peace and economic justice.
Police officers have already set up checkpoints at 1818 H Street NW, the headquarters of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in downtown Washington.
People who need to get inside for meetings have to present credentials. The walkway outside the White House and part of the adjoining park have also been closed.
Police say they are expecting thousands of demonstrators to protest World Bank meetings and the war in Iraq this weekend.
In anticipation of protest against this weekend’s IMF and World Bank meetings, Washington police have partially closed six main streets in downtown. They have not said when those roads will be opened again.
Anti-war group marches on Saturday will lead to the partial closure of at least nine streets and main roads.
But the World Bank protesters have already negotiated an alternative route with the police. They plan to march from 16th and Euclid Streets, Northwest, to the World Bank.
Police have also agreed to provide an alternative route to anti-war and pro-troop demonstrations.
Newspaper vending machines and garbage cans have been removed near the World Bank offices for security reasons, police said.
The city officials said they do not expect the anti-war demonstration to be very large because some groups have already cancelled buses, as the war appears to be winding down.
Anti-war organizers say no civil disobedience is planned, but unlike previous demonstrations, Saturday’s protest march will go through parts of downtown to target corporate offices and media outlets.
