Cardiff
is in news for more ....
Cardiff city center has been turned into a high security ‘prison’ with
10 miles of fencing - which is being dubbed the ‘ring of steel’ - ahead of the
Nato conference next week. This will be
the first NATO Summit since Chicago in 2012, and the first NATO summit in the
United Kingdom since Margaret Thatcher welcomed NATO leaders to London in 1990.
During working sessions at the Celtic Manor and more informal events in
Cardiff, world leaders will look to address issues which threaten NATO
countries’ national security, from fragile states to piracy, from terrorism to
cyber attacks. Announcing that Wales
would host the NATO Summit 2014, the Prime Minister said: It’s a great moment
for Wales to advertise its modern and economically brilliant face to the world.
We are going to have up to 60 world leaders coming to Wales for this vitally
important NATO conference, so I think it’s a very good moment for Wales to put
its best foot forward. On 4th & 5th September 2014,
Wales will host the largest gathering of international leaders ever to take
place in Britain as the UK hosts the NATO summit. President Obama, Chancellor
Merkel, and President Hollande are expected to attend along with leaders and
senior ministers from around 60 other countries. The summit comes as NATO draws
down from its longest ever mission in Afghanistan and against a backdrop of
instability in Ukraine. It is an opportunity to ensure that NATO continues to
be at the forefront of building stability in an unpredictable world.
~ and to take care of
the 150 World leaders, Police have erected nine feet high security fencing
around Celtic Manor resort in Newport and Cardiff city center. Kim Howells,
former foreign office minister, fears that home grown Islamic State terrorists
could be planning to attack – more than than 9,000 officers from across the UK have
been drafted in to police event and traffic disruptions are likely. Daily Mail reports that Cardiff city centre
resembles a high security prison with its 10 miles of fencing - dubbed the ‘ring
of steel’. Mounted police officers also patrol
the security fence in front of Cardiff Castle ahead of the conference, which
will see patrols increased to 9.500 officers from across UK – and with eight
miles of fencing surrounding the Newport resort and three miles in and around
Cardiff city centre, Gwent Police are preparing for traffic disruptions. Pedestrians
too will have to go through access points when walking around the city of
Cardiff before and during the Nato summit. Gwent Police say the costs will be
met by Nato and No.10 Downing Street – which is leading the event - but
opponents have predicted it could cost in the region of £50million, according
to the South Wales Argus.
Protesters
are expected to arrive in the city this week for a peace camp at Tredegar Park
and demonstrations are scheduled for August 30 and September 4. NATO summits
have previously provided a focus for protestors and the Police Service respects
the right for peaceful protest.
Whilst the summit
itself is being held at the Celtic Manor Resort, the UK and Welsh Governments
have announced that three iconic Welsh venues – Cardiff Castle, Tredegar House
and The Royal College of Music and Drama – will all host events for the
international guests attending the summit. The Royal Navy’s newest type 45
frigate, HMS Duncan, which will be docked in Cardiff Bay during the week of the
summit, will also be used for the events.
With regards – S.
Sampathkumar
28th Aug 2014.
