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SYDNEY - Australian Prime Minister John Howard this morning used the internet to push the benefits of this week's Apec meeting in Sydney.
Mr Howard, delivering his message on YouTube, said Apec was a chance for Australia to be the focus of some of the world's biggest economies, including the United States, Russia, China and Japan.
Sydneysiders working in the city will this morning get their first taste of the massive security operation under way for Apec, including roadblocks and a 5km fence to cordon off large sections of the CBD.
Mr Howard warned protesters against violence. Organisers are gearing up for large-scale protests, targeting US President George W Bush in particular.
"I ... know that there will be some individuals who want to protest against Apec. I simply ask them to stop for a moment and consider that if they really are worried about issues such as poverty, security and climate change, then they should support Apec and not attack it," Mr Howard said.
"In the end, I'm confident that fair-minded Australians will recognise the importance of this meeting.
"Equally, I'm confident that the world will look at Australia and at Sydney as Apec's host and recognise the vibrant, friendly and outward-looking character of the Australian people."
Mr Howard, Mr Bush and 19 other world leaders will meet for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) leaders' summit, which begins on Saturday.
A week of meetings culminating in the leaders' gathering got off to a low-key start yesterday with senior officials finalising the agenda to be discussed by the leaders.
- AAP
