German minister vows to ensure World Cup security

German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said here on Thursday that his country would do everything possible to guarantee the security of the World Cup in the summer.

Speaking at a conference on the security of the World Cup, Schaeuble said Germany would take every security precaution necessary, but did not want to turn the event into a "security World Cup".

Germany, rather than erect barriers, would open doors so that the World Cup would be a festival of friendship, he added.

He said Germany would reimpose border controls with some of its neighbors during the period of the games.

The steps would apply to countries covered by the Schengen accord on control-free travel which share land borders with Germany.

Such nations include Austria, Denmark, France and the three Benelux countries, which are Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Visa-free travel with Schengen countries has been in force since the 1990s.

About 280 representatives from all 32 participating countries attended the two-day conference.

In his welcoming remarks at the conference, Franz Beckenbauer, German football icon and president of the organizing committee, said Germany was preparing to put 7,000 soldiers on call to help maintain security at the competition.

"We have provided the World Cup with as much security as possible. I don't see why the armed forces shouldn't be called in if needed," said Beckenbauer.

During the World Cup tournament starting from June 9, 64 matches will be played in 12 German cities.

Source: Xinhua