Italy warns of Bush unrest threat

Italian authorities fear a repeat of Genoa unrest

Italy has warned of "serious threats" when US President George W Bush visits Rome next week.

Demonstrators are expected to mass on 2 June - Italy's national day - and when Mr Bush is in the capital on 4-5 June.

Interior Minister Guiseppe Pisanu told a party conference: "There are serious threats looming, which concern us but do not frighten us."

Officials said he was referring to public order threat rather than to a possible terror attack.

Officials are thought to fear a repeat of the large-scale unrest which took place in Genoa three years ago at a G8 summit.

One protester died and dozens of police and demonstrators were hurt in running battles in the city streets.

Mr Bush's visit is expected to generate particular anger from protesters opposed to the Iraq war. Italy has firmly supported the war, and a number of Italian servicemen have been killed, along with a hostage whose execution was filmed.

The president of Rome's regional government, Franncesco Storace, said the city authorities feared trouble.

"There's a gang of irresponsible people playing with fire," he told Corriere della Sera newspaper.

One leading activist has confirmed that anger will drive some of the protesters.

"If a criminal of the calibre of Bush is given the red carpet treatment, then rage is the right reaction," said anti-globalisation activist Luca Casarini.

"Confronted by a heavily-defended Rome that is looking to protect that terrorist Bush, the only thing to do is break the rules," he told La Stampa newspaper.