The U.S. State Department is warning American travellers of "potential disruptions" -- including the possibility of violent clashes -- in southern Alberta during the coming G-8 summit.
In a public announcement, the department advises U.S. visitors to the region to avoid crowds, exercise caution and carry photo identification such as a passport.
Security will be extremely tight as the leaders of the G-8 countries meet next Wednesday and Thursday in the resort village of Kananaskis, Alta.
"In addition, previous summits have drawn 'anti-globalization' and other activists from around the world," the State Department notes. "While past demonstrations and protest activity have been mainly peaceful, sporadic violence and clashes between police and protesters have occurred. At last year's G-8 Summit in Genoa, Italy, large numbers of protesters were arrested or injured, and one was killed."
Demonstrations and protest marches are expected in downtown Calgary, possibly as early as tomorrow and as late as June 30, "as well as closer to Kananaskis itself if activists gain access to the area," the department says. "Travellers are advised to follow news and traffic reports, avoid crowds and exercise caution."
A security area of 6.5 kilometres will be established around Kananaskis Village. Travel along the area's primary highway will be severely restricted and a no-fly zone will prohibit air traffic in the vicinity. All vehicles will be subject to searches.
The Canadian government says security officers for the summit reserve the right to refuse people access to the area. However, officials insist 95 per cent of Kananaskis Country will remain open to the public for camping and recreational use during the summit.
On the question of possible confrontations between activists and police, the government says the scope and type of demonstrations are, to a large extent, unpredictable. "The goal of the G-8 security team is to respect individual rights while still maintaining public safety, peace and good order."
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