Sicilian Culture: News: Rome: Tomorrow A Day of Protest & Support of for the USA

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Rome: Tomorrow A Day of Protest & Support of for the USA
Two opposing demonstrations will take place in Rome tomorrow regarding the war in Afghanistan. A pro-United States rally will be held in Piazza del Popolo where workers are already installing a huge platform for speakers. Event organizers estimated the crowd at around 100,000 people. Simultaneously, anti-globalization protestors who oppose the conflict expect a crowd of 50,000 in Piazza della Repubblica, from where a parade will proceed to Piazza della Bocca della Verita'. Francesco Caruso, spokesman for the Naples anti-globalization group declared that "ten or so of our supporters will infiltrate the Forza Italia Parade." The statement has provoked fears of violent confrontations between the two groups.
AIR TRAFFIC TO BE SUSPENDED
All air traffic over Rome will be prohibited tomorrow in light of the center-right sponsored demonstration in support of the United States. AWACS surveillance planes will patrol the skies above the city. In a press release issued by Chigi Palace after a meeting of the Council of Ministers, Interior Minister Claudio Scajola confirmed that he has tightened national security since Italy's decision to participate directly in the military operations in Afghanistan and as a result of recent threats made by Osama bin Laden.
EX-PRESIDENT GIOVANNI LEONI DIES
Former Italian President Giovanni Leone died this morning in his Rome residence in Le Rughe. Mr. Leone, born in in Naples, had just celebrated his 93rd birthday. Mr. Leone dedicated himself an early age to obtaining his law degree in 1933. In 1944 he became a member of the Christian Democratic Party and served as premier in 1963 and 1968, and was elected president of the Republic in 1971. He was forced to resign in 1978 amidst the Lockheed Scandal that eventually saw the conviction of his detractors. The Senate went into official mourning this afternoon. Funeral services will be held on Monday.

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