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:: 11.19.2004 ::
:: "Protests Target Bush Presence at Summit" ::
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) - Police on Friday clashed with rock-throwing protesters demonstrating against the planned presence of President Bush at a weekend summit of 21 Pacific Rim countries that they likened to a rich man's club.
The street clashes market the fourth straight day of confrontations between police and protesters opposed to the two-day annual gathering of the leaders for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, hosted this year by Chile.
Riot police used water cannons and tear gas to break up the protest and detained about 25 people, said Marco Riquleme, leader of the group that organized the unauthorized demonstration.
Thousands of protesters marched through downtown Santiago later Friday in a government-authorized protest far from the summit site. The marchers also expressed outrage at holding the summit in Chile, the presence of Bush and the war in Iraq.
Local media reports estimated as many as 15,000 people joined the government-authorized march. Organizers claimed the number was closer to 30,000. Police wouldn't give an estimate.
The demonstrators at both protests likened the summit to a rich man's club that does nothing for the poor, but the planned arrival of Bush brought out the most anger.
Marchers held up posters saying: "Bush, you stink," and "Terrorist Bush." Some chanted: "Bush, listen: Chile is not for sale!" and "Bush, fascist, thief, murderer!"
"We have seen what APEC means to us: Turning our workers into cheap force for the businesses," said labor union activist Saul Villegas.
Maria Ines, a housewife, said: "My protest is against Bush. No one gave permission to go into Iraq. He thinks he's God!"
Read more here.
posted by me
:: 12:23:00 PM [+] ::
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