Graubünden asks for army backup at meeting of World Economic Forum

Canton Graubünden has asked for the army's help in protecting President Clinton and other world leaders who'll be descending on Davos at the end of this month for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.

Canton Graubünden has asked for the army’s help in protecting President Clinton and other world leaders who’ll be descending on Davos at the end of this month for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.

After the violent protests that disrupted last year’s World Trade Organisation summit in Seattle, the head of the cantonal government, Peter Aliesch, said he was hopeful that federal troops would be deployed to protect key buildings during the week-long gathering.

Speaking in the cantonal capital, Chur, Aliesch said he wanted the troops to guard bridges, tunnels and energy facilities. He said Clinton’s presence at the 30th meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos represented a special situation.

The Swiss cabinet has reacted cautiously. After initially turning down the request, three departments – the departments of justice and police, of defence and foreign affairs – are now re-examining it. The defence ministry spokesman, Oswald Sigg, said they were in contact with the cantonal police department, which is in charge of security during the conference.

If the federal authorities agree, it would be the first time Swiss troops have been deployed in Davos during the conference. And even if they aren’t sent to the town, there’ll be an unprecedentedly high level of security. Several other cantons have already promised Graubünden that they’ll send police reinforcements.

Last month, the Declaration of Berne pressure group applied to the Davos commune asking for permission to hold an anti-globalisation demonstration during the meeting of the World Economic Forum. The town authorities have yet to give their response, but correspondents say they have the option to grant a conditional approval.

During last year’s conference, the Davos authorities imposed a blanket ban on protests, and had to intervene to prevent around 200 demonstrators from marching on the congress centre. But a local court ruled in September that the commune had acted against freedom of expression and association.

The Declaration of Berne and the environmental group, Pro Natura, will hold a press conference in the Swiss capital today, to outline their objections to the meeting of the World Economic Forum.