CANBERRA, March 16 (Xinhuanet) -- Police clashed with anti-war activists at the front gates of the Sydney Conservatorium of Musicahead of a speech by visiting U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

    Protesters were rallying against U.S. involvement in Iraq as Rice prepared to deliver a speech at the conservatorium, Australian Associated Press (AAP) reported.

    About 50 protesters gathered outside the building and were met by police on foot, on horseback, and with dogs.

    Police used the horses to push the protesters back, as a police helicopter hovered over the scene.

    The Stop the War Coalition said Rice is a "war criminal" and is not welcome in Australia.

    AAP quoted the group's spokeswoman Anna Samson as saying the protest is one of many planned in the lead-up to the third anniversary of the "invasion and occupation" of Iraq on March 20.

    Another spokesman later said two men and three women were removed from the protest by police.

    Police have confirmed that five people had been arrested and charged with hindering police in the execution of their duties.

    A police spokeswoman said the group was blocking pedestrian access into the building and that police had spent more than 20 minutes on warning them to move.

    Rice arrived in Sydney, Australia's largest city, overnight and began her first official visit to Australia from Thursday for talks with Australian leaders on topics including Iraq, Iran's nuclear ambitions, Indonesia's development and the recent U.S. -India nuclear deal.

    During the three-day visit, she will also hold ministerial security dialogue with her Australian and Japanese counterparts Alexander Downer and Taro Aso. Enditem