First summit demonstration peaceful

Authorities barred visitors to the U.S. Naval Academy on Monday in preparation for this week's Mideast peace conference and prepared to block off streets and waterways before representatives from Israel, Arab states and international envoys gather for a daylong meeting on Tuesday.

A pro-Israel demonstration just outside the academy's main entrance on Monday drew about 15 protesters calmly waving signs in light rain. They said they were concerned that the conference would lead to concessions that would result in the loss of Israeli land.

One sign read, "Keep Jerusalem and Israel United." Another had a map of Israel with the legend, "Not One Inch." One man periodically blew a shofar, the traditional Jewish ram's horn. A woman waved the flag of Israel.

Robert Turk of Colbrook, Conn., the international chairman of an activist group called B'nai Elim, said he was worried the negotiations would "piecemeal Israel out of existence." He also said he feared President Bush had called the conference to pressure Israel to make concessions. "There should be no concessions whatsoever. None."

Three Annapolis police officers stood across the street to monitor the demonstration, and two patrol cars and a police wagon were parked nearby.

The city planned to close three streets near the academy Tuesday as two more demonstrations were planned.

Also, recreational and commercial boating within 2.3 nautical miles of the Naval Academy was to be barred from 7 a.m. Tuesday until the conference ends, said Petty Officer John Edwards, a U.S. Coast Guard spokesman in Baltimore. He said the Coast Guard, FBI and Maryland Natural Resources Police will enforce the security zone.

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Associated Press writers David Dishneau and Kristen Wyatt contributed to this story.