Argentina tightens security for Olympic torch

By Kevin Gray

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentina readied thousands of police on Thursday to guard the Olympic torch on the next stop of its world tour as calls grew for world leaders to boycott the Games' opening ceremony over China's human rights record.

Some Argentine activists opposed to China's rule of Tibet have vowed non-violent "surprise actions" when the torch is carried through Buenos Aires on Friday.

"I want to announce that we are not going to put out the torch," said Jorge Carcavallo, the head of an Argentine pro-Tibet group. "But we are going to make surprise and peaceful protests across the city."

Rival demonstrations by human rights activists and pro-Chinese supporters forced officials to abruptly change the torch's route through San Francisco on Wednesday.

The torch's international relay have also sparked chaotic demonstrations during stops in London and Paris.

China said on Thursday it had foiled plots to kidnap foreigners and carry out suicide attacks during the Beijing Summer Olympics.

In Buenos Aires, some 1,500 Coast Guard officers, 1,200 police, and 3,000 city workers will be deployed along the route as Argentine athletes and personalities carry the torch.

Argentine Olympic officials invited soccer great Diego Maradona to kick off the relay, but it was unclear if he would participate.