France to boost security if war starts

2003-03-18 20:03

Paris - France plans to step up security around US, British and Israeli interests in the country should war break out in Iraq, in anticipation of possible violent demonstrations, police said on Tuesday.

Extra police and paramilitary gendarmes will be made available to ensure the security of the three countries' embassies in the French capital, police said, without giving further details.

Authorities fear that the diplomatic missions could become the targets of snap protests by radical militants should Washington and London launch military action against Iraq to rid it of its alleged weapons of mass destruction.

Officials also warned that far-left and far-right militants could vent their anger over US military action by attacking US businesses, such as McDonald's fast-food restaurants.

But security experts noted that given France's anti-war stance, civilians were unlikely to be subject to reprisal attacks should war erupt.

- AFX