During the upcoming Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) in the Netherlands, demonstrations are expected in The Hague and Amsterdam, but they are not expected to be massive and violent, Dutch authorities told Xinhua recently.

"The demonstrations must be notified in advance so that we can prepare well and can take appropriate action," said Gerben van den Berg, spokesman for the municipality of The Hague.

"Until now we have had nine applications," added Van den Berg. "In The Hague we are used to 1,500 demonstrations every year, so we know what to do. The Hague police is very experienced. We are well equipped to guide the demonstrations."

The applications vary a lot, protests against nuclear weapons, against nuclear energy, but also about subjects not directly related to the themes of the NSS, like a protest to call for world leaders to engage in the fight against poverty.

During the NSS, which will be held in The Hague on March 24 and 25, demonstrators are not allowed to parade through the city. There are solid demonstration sites, of which the largest is the Malieveld, a large field near the center, often used for demonstrations and political rallies.

"Most of the protesters are expected at the Malieveld," Van den Berg added. "The size of the groups may vary from 10 to 100 people. Near the World Forum, where the summit is being held, a small group can protest."

There are currently no indications that violent protesters would try to enter the actual site of the summit, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Frans Timmermans stated earlier.

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