Dominican police shield National Palace on planned protest

Santo Domingo.- Dozensof riot police on Wednesday have been posted near the State Works SupervisingEngineers Office (OISOE) in front of the National Palace where civil societyorganizations will try to mount a picket during the afternoon

The agents carrying avariety of weapons including batons, riot shields and tear gas canisters, havecordoned off the National Palace to prevent disorder.

During a similarprotest last Wednesday Police agents blocked the streets around the palacewhich blocked traffic and pedestrians.

The Interior andPolice Ministry on Tuesday said the Government guarantees the right to protestbut without disorder.