Salzburg police keep anti-capitalists at bay

Anti-globalisation activists clashed with riot police on the streets of Salzburg yesterday, throwing stones and bottles as a summit of eastern European leaders organised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) got underway in Austria.

But tight security measures kept protests under control compared to last month's riots at the EU summit in Gothenburg. The summit started off yesterday afternoon with a discussion on the future of Europe and EU enlargement. Mr Gunter Verheugen, the European Commissioner in charge of EU enlargement, said the 2004 accession target date was a realistic one. Of the 12 countries in the first wave, only the accession of Romania and Bulgaria looked doubtful. "Romania and Bulgaria know that, above all on economic grounds, that they need somewhat more time," he said.

Outside, protesters bearing banners reading "World Economic Fascism" and "Capitalism Destroys" were held back from the congress hall where the conference was taking place by rows of blackclad police in riot gear.

One demonstrator was arrested after trying to break through the barricade as police attempted to force protesters away from the conference centre.

Police estimate almost 700 protesters made it to the centre of Salzburg, protesters put their number closer to 2000.

Last week Austrian police imposed strict checks on the German and Italian borders in the hope of keeping out what they called "professional rioters".

Authorities said some 39 people were turned back by border police as they tried to enter Austria. Police arrested a couple entering from Bavaria after finding iron bars and cans of petrol in their car.

"We stand for protest, but not for violence," said Mr Christian Felber, spokesman for the International Organisation for Democratic Control of Financial Markets.

The three-day European Economic Summit is organised by financier Mr George Soros and the Geneva-based World Economic Forum, a frequent target of anti-globalisation activists along with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.