Security Tight at US Consulate Ahead of Anti-WTO Rally

Denpasar (Antara Bali) - A total of 200 policemen were deployed on Monday for extra security at the United States Consulate in Denpasar after it was learnt that a rally against the World Trade Organization (WTO) conference in Nusa Dua will be staged there, the police said.

"We have deployed 200 joint police personnel to secure the United States Consulate here," Deputy of Denpasar city police Adjunct Senior Commissioner Gusti Kade Budhi Harryarsana said on Monday.

He added that the security around the Consulate had been stepped up in anticipation of any possible security disturbances during the anti WTO conference rally.

"We do not want the rally to end in chaos. Therefore, we want to ensure security by deploying hundreds of police personnel at the United States Consulate on Hayam Wuruk Street," Gusti stated.

According to him, hundreds of protestors from a number of public organizations in Denpasar planned on staging a rally against the WTO conference in Nusa Dua.

Gusti pointed out that the additional security measures had been put in place not only for the protection of the United States Consulate, but also the Australian representative's office located on Tantular Street in Denpasar. (DWA)