War protests threaten city centre chaos

ANTI-WAR protesters are threatening to bring chaos to Edinburgh as they demonstrate at a major Nato summit later this week.

Two large-scale rallies are being planned to mark the visit of the Nato Parliamentary Assembly – a five-day meeting of MPs, military commanders, academics and civil servants at the EICC.

The protests will be the largest seen in the city since the G8, and it is understood police are concerned about the possibility of extremists "infiltrating" the largely peaceful demonstrations.

The events coincide with Scotland's rugby clash with Fiji at Murrayfield on Saturday, making the West End a virtual no-go area.

The weekend's protests include a "direct action" rally under the name The Nato Welcoming Committee on Friday, and a second rally by the Edinburgh Stop The War Coalition on Saturday.

The Nato Welcoming Committee has pledged to "shut down" the meeting on the first day and is keeping its movements a secret until the day of the protest, when activists will be mobilised by text.

Meanwhile, the Edinburgh Stop The War Coalition are up in arms after being told they cannot march past the conference centre.

Pat Smith, of Edinburgh Stop the War, said: "We agreed to move the march forward to 10:30am on the understanding that we could still march past the EICC.

"However, despite this, the police have still said we cannot march past the assembly's front door because of safety concerns. We believe the new location at Semple Street will be a bigger safety hazard as it is a smaller street and people could be crushed.

"Police also said they were worried about people 'infiltrating' our march, and the direct action march by the Anti-Militarist Network on Friday, with a view to causing violence."

Chief Inspector Allison Strachan, who will be managing the police presence, said the force was confident the protesters would be peaceful but that more officers than normal would be on the streets. She said: "We expect trouble-free protests, gatherings and marches and have no reason to expect otherwise.

"There will be a police operation in place and we are very keen for any groups who are going to get their message across to get in touch with police beforehand."

She explained that due to increased numbers of marchers, plus the presence of rugby fans, Morrison Street would have to be closed off.

She said: "From a safety point of view there will be many groups around on the day. To make sure no damage or disruption occurs we will close the road in the name of public safety. We hope the protesters respect our decision."

BEHIND THE ASSEMBLY'S DOORS

INSIDE the Nato Parliamentary Assembly, members will be debating issues including the war in Afghanistan and security in Pakistan.

There will be speeches by General Sir Peter Wall, commander-in-chief of the UK's land forces, and Admiral James Stavridis, supreme allied commander in Europe.

St Andrews University professor of Iranian history Ali Ansari will explain the threats posed by the Islamic republic and its current president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Frank Cook, an MP who tried to claim 5 expenses for a church collection in remembrance of the Battle of Britain, will present a resolution on "Nato's enduring commitment to Afghanistan".