About 15,000 Colombian security forces - backed by warplanes, helicopters, battleships and two submarines - will safeguard Bush's four-hour trip to discuss the nation's war on drugs. That is the same number of American troops deployed in the Fallujah offensive in Iraq.
...
The sale of alcoholic drinks will be banned for 24 hours and workers are being given Monday off - in part to pre-empt protests, since many employees and students live in surrounding villages and would face roadblocks and searches if they tried to enter.

Nevertheless, a handful of minor demonstrations were expected, but probably not all of them will directed against the United States, Fernandez said.
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"I have been searched three times in the last two days," said Jorge Enrique Martinez, who sells ice cream on a bicycle cart. "I am not a guerrilla!"

A potential boon for Bush himself, $2 million for the government to try buying back the former presidential yacht Sequoia. The boat was sold three decades ago, and its current owners say the yacht is assessed at $9.8 million and are distressed by the provision.

- posted by Cynthia @ 8:27 PM | | | Link |