ROME: TOMORROW A DAY OF PROTEST 
AND SUPPORT FOR UNITED STATES

Two opposing demonstrations will take place in Rome tomorrow regarding the 
war in Afghanistan. A pro-United States rally will be held in Piazza del 
Popolo where workers are already installing a huge platform for speakers. 
Event organizers estimated the crowd at around 100,000 people. 
Simultaneously, anti-globalization protestors who oppose the conflict expect 
a crowd of 50,000 in Piazza della Repubblica, from where a parade will 
proceed to Piazza della Bocca della Verita'. Francesco Caruso, spokesman for 
the Naples anti-globalization group declared that "ten or so of our 
supporters will infiltrate the Forza Italia Parade." The statement has 
provoked fears of violent confrontations between the two groups.
  
ROME: AIR TRAFFIC TO BE SUSPENDED

All air traffic over Rome will be prohibited tomorrow in light of the 
center-right sponsored demonstration in support of the United States. AWACS 
surveillance planes will patrol the skies above the city. In a press release 
issued by Chigi Palace after a meeting of the Council of Ministers, Interior 
Minister Claudio Scajola confirmed that he has tightened national security 
since Italy's decision to participate directly in the military operations in 
Afghanistan and as a result of recent threats made by Osama bin Laden.

EX-PRESIDENT GIOVANNI LEONI DIES

Former Italian President Giovanni Leone died this morning in his Rome 
residence in Le Rughe. Mr. Leone, born in in Naples, had just celebrated his 
93rd birthday. Mr. Leone dedicated himself an early age to obtaining his law 
degree in 1933. In 1944 he became a member of the Christian Democratic Party 
and served as premier in 1963 and 1968, and was elected president of the 
Republic in 1971. He was forced to resign in 1978 amidst the Lockheed Scandal 
that eventually saw the conviction of his detractors. The Senate went into 
official mourning this afternoon. Funeral services will be held on Monday.