Anti-free trade protests held in Colombia

On Thursday negotiators from Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and the United States met to plan a new trade agreement. Some 5,000 people showed up to protest in the streets because they are afraid a new trade agreement will worsen the unemplotment in Colombia. The protestors marched toward the convention center, but thankfully police kept them away without any violence. Lawmakers, students, and government workers were amoung the protestors. Negotiations began in May 2004, but there were differences over agricultureal and intellectual property delayed the treaty's signing. Rodriguez estimated that in Colombia alone some 250,000 people could lose their jobs. Agriculture would be hit the hardest. 60% of the population already lives below the poverty line, so it's no wonder people are upset at the talk of job cuts. The treaty would ensure the continuation of Andean nations' access to U.S. markets.

link: http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/americas/09/22/colombia.protest.ap/index.html