Critical Times

United States Vice President Dick Cheney touches down in Australia today amid a massive security operation.

Mr Cheney flies into Sydney, where NSW police have planned one of the largest dignitary protection operations since the visit of
US President George W Bush in October 2003.

With such a significant possible terrorist target in town, hundreds of NSW police will be called into action as the vice president’s motorcade travels through Sydney.

Police have warned that road closures and protesters will cause major traffic disruptions during the three-day Sydney visit.

Traffic delays are expected tonight in the city with anti-Iraq war protesters taking to the streets outside Town Hall at 5.30pm (AEDT).

“This is a very large-scale operation brought about by the fact that Dick Cheney is certainly high risk in regard to a terrorist-related type threat,” Deputy Police Commissioner Terry Collins told reporters.

Police say they believe there is no credible terrorism threat, but Mr Cheney can expect anti-war protesters and demonstrations by people angry over America’s treatment of Australian terror suspect David Hicks.

Mr Cheney’s official itinerary begins tomorrow with a major speech on US-Australian relations to the Australian American leadership dialogue.

He will thank Australian troops for their efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan when he visits Sydney’s Victoria Barracks before a meeting with Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd in the afternoon.

Mr Howard’s meeting with Mr Cheney will take place on Saturday, as the prime minister will be in Canberra tomorrow thrashing out a water deal with the states.

Mr Cheney is due to fly out of Australia on Sunday.

SOURCE: AAP

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