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South Korean parliament approves free trade accord with Chile


ASSOCIATED PRESS

3:08 a.m. February 16, 2004

SEOUL, South Korea – Hundreds of farmers hurled rocks and glass bottles at riot police Monday, after South Korea's parliament approved a free trade agreement with Chile.

The National Assembly endorsed the pact 162-71. Lawmakers put off votes on the issue three times amid violent demonstrations by farmers who say the accord will flood the Korean market with cheaper products.

Under the trade pact signed by the two governments last February, Chile will lift tariffs on South Korean motor vehicles, cellular phones, computers, TV sets and air conditioners.

In return, South Korea will remove tariffs on Chilean copper products, animal feed, wheat, wool and tomatoes, as well as more than 250 fisheries products.

Scuffles erupted when groups of farmers tried to march toward the parliament, which was guarded by thousands of riot police.

Protesters hurled rocks and bottles at riot police, who responded with kicks and punches. Riot police tried to disperse the protesters with water cannons.

Television footage showed police carrying a protester who was bleeding on his nose, and at least half a dozen of people were injured in the clash.

"Let's unite efforts to block the FTA with Chile!" shouted the farmers.

South Korean farmers have threatened to campaign against lawmakers who support the trade agreement in the upcoming April 15 elections.

Chile's Senate ratified the accord last month, but asked President Ricardo Lagos to wait for South Korea's National Assembly to approve it before signing it into law.

The South Korean parliament's delays in voting had embarrassed President Roh Moo-hyun whose government has warned the delays could hurt the country's stability and exports.

South Korea also is negotiating free trade agreements with Singapore and Japan.









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