In Argentina, thousands rally in support of president
President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner urges farmers to end their strike over opposition to her plan to boost taxes on food exports. But they show no sign of relenting.
By Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
9:03 PM PDT, April 1, 2008
BUENOS AIRES -- Tens of thousands of pro-government demonstrators marched through downtown Tuesday in a show of support for an Argentine leadership facing a stiff challenge from rebellious rural growers.
But there was no sign late Tuesday that the farmers would lift roadblocks they had set up and resume shipments of beef and other foodstuffs. On strike for almost three weeks, they have vowed to continue their protest until at least today.
In the capital, union activists and others allied with the center-left government waved signs declaring "We are with Cristina" to proclaim their solidarity with President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.
The president addressed the assembled masses from a stage placed in the highly symbolic Plaza de Mayo, where Argentines for decades have come both to protest and to honor their leaders.
"Let the roads clear so Argentines can have access to food," Fernandez implored protesting farmers whose strike has led to supermarket shortages in one of the world's major food-producing nations.
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http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-farmers2apr02,1,5792792.story