Easter security operation launched

Staff reporter THE Easter security operation has been launched in Majorca, similar to the annual operation mounted in the summer around the Spanish royals holidaying on the island and also the millions of tourists. The official line from Guardia Civil sources yesterday was that routine traffic and drink-driving controls were being carried out, however, the deployment of armed Guardia Civil, some as the photograph clearly shows carrying sub-machine guns, is part of a general tightening of security over the Easter holidays in the wake of the recent terrorist activity in Spain. The Spanish royal family, which traditionally spends its Easter holiday at Marivent Palace in Palma, has scaled down its spring break this year. King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia usually spend ten days on the island, attending the Easter concert at the Cathedral, but this year they decided not to attend on Monday and the only official public appearance they will be making is on Sunday when they attend Easter mass at the Cathedral. Whether any other members of the royal family will be travelling to Palma to join the King and Queen on their long weekend this year, remains to be seen. Security at all Balearic airports has been stepped up over the past few weeks and the port authority is awaiting formal notification from central government on what new security measures have to be introduced.