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Troops out in Seoul for Bush trip US and S Korea seek stronger ties
(about 10 hours later)
Thousands of troops are on the streets of the South Korean capital, Seoul, for the two-day visit of US President George W Bush. US President George W Bush is holding talks in Seoul with his South Korean counterpart, in an effort to overcome past tensions between the two allies.
The US leader is to hold talks with President Lee Myung-bak, before flying to Beijing for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Mr Bush and President Lee Myung-Bak were expected to focus on nuclear disarmament on the Korean peninsula and promoting free trade.
At least 20,000 security personnel have deployed to handle protesters angry about a controversial beef import deal. At least 20,000 security personnel were deployed to handle demonstrators angry about a controversial beef import deal.
Plans for a visit in July were shelved amid street protests over the issue. There was a small anti-US protest as Mr Bush arrived on Tuesday.
South Korea has agreed to resume imports of US beef after a five-year suspension. But the protesters say the agreement does not protect them adequately against mad cow disease, or BSE. A planned trip in July was cancelled amid widespread anger.
Protests planned At the heart of the controversy is South Korea's decision to resume imports of US beef after a five-year suspension.
Mr Bush touched down in Seoul on Tuesday evening ahead of talks with Mr Lee on Wednesday. The protesters say the agreement does not protect them adequately against mad cow disease, or BSE.
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Anti and pro-US protesters stage rallies in SeoulAnti and pro-US protesters stage rallies in Seoul
As well as the beef deal, the two leaders are expected to discuss a bilateral free trade agreement and the state of the long-standing US-South Korea security alliance. As well as the beef deal, the two leaders were expected to discuss a trade and the long-standing US-South Korea security alliance.
Progress in multilateral efforts to disarm North Korea are also expected to feature prominently in the talks.Progress in multilateral efforts to disarm North Korea are also expected to feature prominently in the talks.
The two leaders last met in April, when they agreed the unpopular beef deal.The two leaders last met in April, when they agreed the unpopular beef deal.
Protests over the issue had tapered off, but organisers say they expect at least 10,000 people to attend a rally tonight in Seoul.
Other groups plan to demonstrate against the free trade deal and the deployment of South Korean troops in Iraq, while pro-US groups also plan to turn out.
From South Korea Mr Bush goes to the Thai capital, Bangkok, where he is expected to address the issue of Burma.From South Korea Mr Bush goes to the Thai capital, Bangkok, where he is expected to address the issue of Burma.
Then he is due to fly to Beijing in time for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on 8 August.Then he is due to fly to Beijing in time for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on 8 August.