Swiss shield China's PM from protests during visit

[Coventina]

Source: Associated Press

BERN, Switzerland (AP) — Switzerland restricted media and public access around the Federal Palace during a visit by Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao on Tuesday in an effort to shield him from potential protesters and awkward questions.

The square and streets leading to the Federal Palace in the capital, Bern, were being sealed off completely by police, the Federal Chancellery said.

Employees in the building and adjacent houses were advised to keep all windows and balcony doors leading to the main square closed, it said. The public in general and photographers in particular were ordered to stay away from balconies and rooftops.

Heightened security for major state visits is not unusual in Switzerland. But the restrictions on media and public access appeared aimed at preventing a repeat of events 10 years ago when then-Chinese President Jiang Zemin was angered by Tibetan protesters who had gathered on the government square and the roof of an adjacent building.



Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5giL1hu4itMeEvBt9qIMh3zCWOZIgD95VH4B80

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Yeah, we wouldn't want the Chinese government to have to answer any "awkward questions."

:eyes: