Poland strengthens security ahead of Euro 2012 Russia matchJune 12, 2012 - 14:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Poland's capital Warsaw was bracing Tuesday, June 12 for what authorities have dubbed its "greatest ever" security challenge, as the national side plays old foe Russia in a must-win Euro 2012 match on home turf, AFP reports. Centuries of bad blood and suspicion between them and pockets of fans on both sides with a reputation for violence are stoking fears that clashes could erupt even before the opening whistle. But a planned friendly match scheduled for noon local time (1000 GMT) in Warsaw between Polish and Russian fans is also sending out a message of peace. Another gesture was made Monday when fans from both sides joined forces laying wreathes to honor Poles and Russians killed in World War II. In a march that will itself make history, thousands of Russian fans are set to cross a central Warsaw bridge to the brand-new National Stadium for Tuesday's second Group A fixture on what also happens to be the visitors' national day. "We will be keeping a constant eye on any possible threats," Poland's interior minister Jacek Cichocki warned Monday, at once qualifying the security operation as the "greatest-ever challenge for law and order forces in the capital". Poland's Euro 2012 spokesman, Marcin Hera, confirmed that 9,800 Russian and 29,300 Polish fans had tickets for the match. Russia come into the game on a high after thumping the Czech Republic 4-1 in their first game but Poland drew 1-1 with Greece, making a win a must if they are to go through to the last eight. Some 6,000 policemen are on duty in the capital during Euro 2012 but Warsaw police spokesman Maciej Karczynski refused to say how many will be deployed in Tuesday's vast pre-and-post match security operation. Warsaw's city security chief Ewa Gawor meanwhile said police would intervene as soon as "anyone breaks the law". Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |