The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Sapporo

Thousands of activists and farmers from around the world gathered in northern Japan Saturday for a major protest ahead of next week's summit of the Group of Eight rich nations.

Security was tight for the rally, which brought together union activists, anti-war demonstrators, farmers and students in a park in Sapporo, the closest city to the lakeside resort of Toyako, where world leaders will meet from Monday.

Riot police wearing helmets and carrying shields patrolled the park, part of a 21,000-strong force deployed to ensure security for the summit.

Violent anti-globalisation rallies have marred past G8 summits-last year militant activists threw Molotov cocktails and stones during demonstrations in Germany that drew tens of thousands of protesters.

Japanese authorities were taking no chances, refusing entry to 19 South Koreans, with others still detained at airports.

One speaker from the Korean Federation of Trade Unions deplored the move. "We will not back down due to such suppression," he said, to audience applause.

But organisers of the Sapporo rally called for demonstrators to avoid violence and clashes with police.

"We should not violate laws or cause trouble to local residents," they said in a leaflet.

Ahead of the rally, around 100 farmers and fishermen waved banners and shouted slogans in the park, calling for the G8 to pay more attention to food producers.