‘We won’t go!’

Face-off looms at NY protest square:

US: Anti-Wall Street protesters called a pre-dawn show of strength to prevent their eviction Friday from the Manhattan square that is the symbolic epicenter of their fledgling but growing movement.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg went in person to reassure the protesters on Wednesday evening that demonstrations could continue after a clean-up ordered by the square’s private owners.

But New York police chief Ray Kelly set the stage for a Friday morning showdown when he indicated that the protesters would no longer be allowed to carry on camping out in Zuccotti Park, in the heart of the financial district.

“After it’s cleaned, they’ll be able to come back,” Kelly said. “But they won’t be able to bring back the gear, the sleeping bags, that sort of thing will not be able to be brought back into the park.”

“This is it, this is their attempt to shut down #OWS for good,” the Occupy Wall Street movement warned on its website, urging supporters to flock to the square no later than 6:00 am (1000 GMT) Friday to save the occupation.

“For those of you who plan to help us hold our ground, which we hope will be all of you, make sure you understand the possible consequences. Be prepared to not get much sleep. Be prepared for possible arrest.”AFP