BERLIN -- German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer on Tuesday expressed understanding for planned protests against U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to Berlin this week, as long as they remained

Speaking on German radio, Fischer said that demonstrations were part of democracy and that he hoped those during Bush's visit on Wednesday and Thursday would not turn violent.

Anti-war and other groups have said that they will demonstrate during the visit, when Bush is expected to seek support for possible military strikes against Iraq.

Fischer also told Deutschlandfunk radio that he hoped differing perceptions in Europe and the U.S. on how the Middle East conflict should be resolved would not lead to a transatlantic rift.

Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has warned of a severe crackdown on any violence during the demonstrations, some of which will begin later Tuesday, AFP reported.