DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Greenpeace

activists staged a brief climate change protest just outside the

main hall of the World Economic Forum's annual meeting on

Thursday, as business and political leaders gathered for this

week's event in Davos.

Dressed in dark suits and white shirts, three protesters

made it into the Congress Centre and scaled a lobby balcony

before unfurling a large banner saying: "Tax the super-rich.

Fund a just & green future".

Security staff intervened and escorted the protesters away,

shortly before the official opening ceremony and a speech by

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

A source familiar with the situation said there was no

security threat from the protest and that the activists had been

badge-holders for the event, working for one of its providers.

Greenpeace activist Clara Thompson later told Reuters that

the three were being held in the police station in Davos.

"They had their ways and means, I can't say any more,"

Thompson said when asked how they had got inside the event.

The WEF said in a statement that it "respects the right to

peaceful expression", adding that it was reviewing the matter

and placed "the highest priority on ensuring the safety and

well-being of all participants and staff".

Tuesday's message to business and political leaders

attending the meeting in Switzerland echoed another protest by

Greenpeace, during which activists blocked the Davos heliport.

Security is tight for the WEF meeting, where one of the main

themes for discussion this week is "safeguarding the planet".

"In an increasingly polarized and fragmented world,

continuing to provide a platform for such dialogue has never

been more essential," the WEF said in its statement.

Demonstrators protesting over fossil fuel subsidies had also

on Monday splattered green paint on the shop front where Amazon ( AMZN )

has set up a temporary base on the main street.