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Graphic shows security measures in place in Buenos Aires during the G20 summit.
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POLITICS

Security tight in Buenos Aires for G20 summit

By Jordi Bou

November 30, 2018 - December 1, 2018 - Argentina’s capital is under a total security shutdown as the heads of state of the world’s 20 biggest economies meet for the G20 summit.

Security failures that marred a football championship and deeper unrest over an economic austerity programme have raised concerns about the country’s ability to ensure safety.

Argentina is the first South American country to host the G-20 summit, and around 3,000 soldiers, and 22,000 police and security agents will guard G20 leaders during the two-day meeting. At least another eight U.S. aircraft and up to 400 American military personnel and civilians will provide additional security.

Train and subway systems in Buenos Aires will be closed during the meeting, and authorities will cordon off a wide area near the summit venue.

The challenge of welcoming the leaders and about 15,000 other people has also prompted the Argentine government to stock up on bulletproof vehicles, high-powered motorcycles and bomb scanners.

In addition, the security ministry has established ways to monitor radiological and nuclear activity, track explosives and reinforce border controls.

Argentines have taken to the streets en masse in recent weeks to demand solutions to the country's economic crisis and reject austerity measures implemented in response to currency and inflation problems.

The crisis has forced President Mauricio Macri's government to seek a $56 billion credit line with the IMF and has revived bad memories of the 2001 crisis when banks froze deposits and people were prohibited from withdrawing their savings.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 29/11/2018; STORY: Graphic News
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