Authorities prepare for possible protests at trade meeting

CINCINNATI - Authorities are preparing for protests expected to accompany a conference of major company executives next month.

More than 100 chief executives from companies throughout America and Europe are expected to attend the Trans Atlantic Business Dialogue Nov. 16-18. The 5-year-old group is designed to build closer ties among companies in Europe and America and improve trade and investment opportunities while eliminating costly regulations.

Critics, however, say some of the efforts to increase the flow of goods and services across the Atlantic violate human rights or damage the environment.

Most of the groups planning to protest in Cincinnati next month promise to be peaceful, but police say they will be ready in case trouble arises.

"They've assured me that they're nonviolent and I have no reason not to believe that," city police Capt. Vince Demasi said. "If not, we're well-trained in these things."

In Seattle last year, police resorted to tear gas and rubber bullets during the World Trade Organization meeting while demonstrators looted and vandalized downtown buildings. More than 500 people were arrested and the city spent almost $10 million, most of it for extra policing.

Local police say they are receiving assistance from the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, and officers are prepared to work 12-hour shifts.

Officials at Lunken Airport and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport have planned special security to escort CEOs from the airport to downtown Cincinnati.

"We sure don't want to blow this," said Ted Bushelman, spokesman for the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport.

"These are big companies," he said. "These people can make decisions on whether or not to put a plant in your area."