Military style security operation for Clinton

The former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, and his daughter Chelsea touched down at Palma airport at 12.45 yesterday and, after days of planning, the Secret Service's security drill swung in to full operation. Clinton stepped off the plane to be met by the United States Consular Agent to the Balearics, Tumi Bestard and his wife Olga, who introduced the former President and Chelsea to the small, carefully selected party of local dignitaries, headed by Balearic leader Francesc Antich, Mayor of Palma Joan Fageda and leader of the Council of Majorca Maria Antonia Munar. With the meet and greet over, Bill and Chelsea Clinton climbed into the back of a blue Mercedes and were whisked away from the airport via a side exit with a seven-vehicle strong escort. Two Guardia Civil police cars, lights flashing, headed the convoy along the motorway with the Secret Service bringing up the rear. Within seconds a National Police helicopter flew in low over the convoy and hovered just metres above the former President and his men as the convoy made its way along the Via Cintura and off to a private house in the middle of rural Majorca where Clinton and his security entourage disappeared behind a huge steel green gate.