US Republican Convention opens

The US Republicans kicked off their four-day national convention on Monday at the Madison Square Garden in New York City amid massive protests and demonstrations around the convention center on the Manhattan Island.

President George W. Bush is expected to be nominated at the quadrennial event to represent the party to seek reelection in the Nov. 2 elections, to challenge Senator John Kerry, the Democratic presidential candidate. Vice President Dick Cheney is expected to be nominated as the vice presidential candidate.

"We will leave here with momentum that will carry us to victory in November," Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie said at the opening ceremony.

The Republican Party would pursue a positive agenda in its campaigns leading up to the Nov. 2 election, which he said would expand its control of the Congress and governorships, he said.

Security was tight in New York, particularly around the convention center, where nearly 40,000 security personnel were deployed to ensure safety during the convention, and an estimated 15,000 journalists were expected to cover the event.

Protests began to stage mass demonstrations since last Thursday.Over 100,000 people gathered around the Madison Square Garden on Sunday, and organizers said about 100 people were arrested.

The delegates will also approve a unbinding party platform, which largely reflects the views and positions of the president ona wide range of issues, during the convention.

Among the featured speakers on Monday night are New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former mayor Rudy Giuliani, and Senator John McCain.

Source: Xinhua