Extra security measures will be in place in Amsterdam for the Dutch national commemoration of the war dead on 4 May and at the Liberation Day concert on 5 May.

The measures are being taken because of the panic that broke out last year during the ceremony on Dam Square attended by Queen Beatrix, when a man began to scream during the traditional two-minute silence. Around 60 people were injured and members of the royal family had to be rushed to safety.

This year's Remembrance Day ceremony is being classified as a national event which will come under the responsibility of the National Counterterrorism Coordinator. The security measures were decided before the killing of Osama bin Laden was announced and the risk of revenge attacks could be taken into account. The co-ordinator's website still lists the current terror threat level as "limited", the lowest level but one.

Measures are being taken to ensure that first aiders will be easier to recognise and police will have extra powers to restrict access to the public ceremony. People living on the square will be ordered not to venture onto their balconies or roofs during the two minutes' silence and all doors and windows will remain closed.

The man who caused last year's disturbance is being held in custody until after 4 May, after being arrested for shoplifting at the end of March.

On Amsterdam's Museum Square, where live concerts will be held to mark Liberation Day on 5 May, residents will also be banned from standing on their balconies and roof terraces.

In spite of these restrictions, the city's Mayor Eberhard van der Laan has stressed that the events will retain their open character.

The security measures were decided before the killing of Osama bin Laden was announced. The Counterterrorism Coordinator's website still lists the current terror threat level as "limited", the lowest level but one.

(nc/dd,rk)

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