Anti-war demonstrators clash with police as Bush visits in London

www.chinaview.cn 2008-06-16 14:28:14

	Anti-war demonstrators clash with police in Parliament Square as U.S. President George W. Bush continued his two-day visit to London. Bush is set to meet with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, his predecessor Tony Blair, and visit Belfast for talks on the future of Northern Ireland on Monday, the final day of his farewell tour of Europe. (Xinhua/AFP Photo, 6/16/08).

Thousands gather in London for anti-war demonstration

www.chinaview.cn 2008-06-16 06:33:00  

    LONDON, June 15 (Xinhua) --

About 2,000 protesters on Sunday gathered in London for a anti-war demonstration as U.S. President George Bush arrived in London for the final leg of his farewell tour of Europe.

    According to the Sky News, the demonstration was organized by the Stop War Coalition, CND and the British Muslim Initiative, and the protesters rallied in Parliament Square, shouting, "George Bush: terrorist," and holding placards showing blood patches and handcuffs.

    The demonstrators had planned to march to Downing Street, but police closed down Whitehall and used heavy reinforcement to ensure the metal barrier they erected was not breached, and a few scuffles broke out as the protesters tried to breach the barrier as Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah had an informal dinner with Bush and his wife Laura, the BBC said in a report.

    It is said that about 13 people were arrested during the clashes.

    Andrew Burgin, a spokesman for the coalition, said: "We think Bush is a war criminal. Both Blair and Bush are responsible by duplicity and lying for an illegal invasion of Iraq."

    According to the local media, a significant security operation was in place for Bush's visit and armed police and sniffer dogs were patrolling the airport and nearby roads while helicopters circled overhead.

    The Metropolitan Police said they would have 1,000 officers on the streets of London during the tour to maintain order.

Editor: Yan Liang

Bush starts two-day visit to UK

www.chinaview.cn 2008-06-15 23:06:04  

    LONDON, June 15 (Xinhua) --

U.S. President George W. Bush arrived here on Sunday afternoon for a two-day visit as his final tour of Europe before leaving office.

    Arriving at Heathrow, Bush and his wife, Laura, then flew by helicopter to Windsor Castle for a 45-minute tea meeting with the Queen.

    They are due to have an informal dinner with Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife, Sarah, at Downing Street. The two leaders will discuss the allied strategy in Iraq.

    In advance of his arrival, Bush told the Observer newspaper that the United States and Britain want to withdraw troops from Iraq but this should be "based on success" and not a "definitive timetable."

    His comments follow reports that a final pullout of British remaining 4,500 troops could be signaled by the end of the year.

    Bush said he is confident that, like him, Brown will listen to the commanders "to make sure that the sacrifices that have gone forward won't be unraveled by drawdowns that may not be warranted."

 

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