Brazil tightens security ahead of Bush's visit

The Brazilian federal police and armed forces will launch an unprecedented security scheme in the capital of Brasilia for the visit by US President George W. Bush at the weekend, the state news service Agencia reported Thursday.

Bush is expected to arrive here Saturday evening from Argentina's coastal resort Mar del Plata, where he attends the 4th Summit of Americas. He will leave Brazil on Sunday afternoon after dining with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

On Thursday, protestors spray-painted two monuments in Brasilia -- the JK Memorial and the Indian Museum -- with slogans such as "Get Out, Killer Bush," the report said.

The White House has asked for special security measures during Bush's short stay, the report added.

Wilson Talles Damazio, commissioner of the General Coordination for Institutional Defense, said Thursday that the Brazilian air space will be shut down when Bush arrives and departs.

Brazilian trade unions, left-wing parties and social movements have called for demonstrations against Bush.

The Central Trade Union, the Landless Rural Workers and the National Students Union are expected to organize a massive protest in Brasilia on Sunday.

Source: Xinhua