Iraq demo set to bring city to halt

PROTESTERS opposed to the occupation of Iraq are set to bring the centre of Edinburgh to a standstill next month when they stage a mass demonstration.

Organisers are expecting more than 5000 people to take to the streets to show their anger at the continuing presence of Allied forces and allegations of mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners.

Exact details of the route have not been confirmed, but it is understood the protesters plan to assemble at the American Consulate in Regent Terrace, before marching along Princes Street and on to the Spanish Consulate and First Minister Jack McConnell’s residence in Charlotte Square.

City centre roads, including Princes Street, are expected to be closed for the march, while bus services are also likely to be disrupted. The event has been organised by the Edinburgh Stop the War Coalition and will start at 6pm on Wednesday, June 30.