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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Scuffles erupted when groups of farmers tried to march toward the parliament, which was guarded by thousands of riot police.
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Protesters hurled rocks and bottles at riot police, who responded with kicks and punches. Riot police tried to disperse the protesters with water cannons.
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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.
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‘‘Let’s unite efforts to block the FTA with Chile!’’ shouted the farmers.
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South Korean farmers have threatened to campaign against lawmakers who support the trade agreement in the upcoming April 15 elections.
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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.
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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.
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South Korea also is negotiating free trade agreements with Singapore and Japan.