Protests surround WTO summit

A new round of world trade talks are to get off the ground Tuesday in Seattle at the ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization.

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The talks have attracted massive protests and although officials were to meet Monday with some of the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) present, a possible security breach blocked the meeting.

The Seattle Trade and Convention Centre was cleared out and sealed off for more than six hours Monday as police did a major security sweep, before allowing people back into the building.

The shutdown meant a full meeting between WTO members and leaders of labour, environmental and other groups had to be cancelled.

The WTO was to have heard from the NGOs about their concerns regarding the trade organization's activities: everything from environmental degradation, working conditions, labour standards and food safety.

Some of the protesters who had been scheduled to speak at the meeting, stood on the corner with the growing crowd of delegates and reporters and took advantage of the captive audience.

Tuesday marks the start of the WTO's week-long summit. With representatives from 135 countries, it's the largest trade event ever in the United States.

The NGOs gearing up for protest say the international body has become a power unto itself -- distant and unaccountable, putting business and trade above all else.

WTO director-general Michael Moore says many of the NGOs that have flocked to Seattle are out to "demonize globalization."