Americas summit 'under control' despite protests
Published:
22 April 2001 y., Sunday
Canada's prime minister called the opening of the Summit of the Americas a "great success" despite sporadic battles between police and anti-globalization protesters.
"We knew that there was going to be some people who were going to try to stop us," Prime Minister Jean Chretien, the summit's host, told reporters Saturday. But he noted that most protesters were peaceful and "everything has been quite under control."
The 34 Western Hemisphere leaders who are gathered in Quebec are spending a large part of their time discussing a proposed free trade pact that would cover the region's 800 million people. Outside, about 30,000 critics of free trade denounced its impact on the environment and labor.
Most demonstrators marched peacefully Saturday afternoon, but police and small groups of protesters clashed at four points along the 2.3-mile (3.7-kilometer) police perimeter set up to keep demonstrators away from leaders attending the summit. Police used water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets to force protesters back from barricades, periodically shifting their security lines to counter movements by protesters. Some demonstrators threw rocks and at least two Molotov cocktails. Those caught behind police lines were restrained and removed. At least 45 protesters went to area hospitals with minor injuries, the spokeswoman said, including reactions to tear gas. She said 34 police officers have been injured, and five of them were taken to a hospital.
Šaltinis:
cnn.com
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.
The most popular articles
During Christmas celebration, U.S. president Barack Obama wished for happiness and understanding, Pope Benedict the Sixteenth wished for lasting peace in Somalia, and the Ivory Coast and others but some took a less predictable approach to Christmas.
more »
May the year 2011 be full of happiness, success and original ideas! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
more »
Police in Sudan arrest dozens of women protesting after a video of a woman being flogged in public appeared on the internet.
more »
Ten-year strategy for modern, high-quality vocational training, giving workers the skills to find a suitable job in a rapidly changing economy.
more »
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sings at a charity concert in St. Petersburg attended by Hollywood stars.
more »
Dresdners brave the cold to enjoy a slice of the world’s largest stollen as the three tonne treat is hauled through the old town and divvied up.
more »
Activists stage protest in underwater museum in Mexico to warn about climate change.
more »
An American woman freed after 13 months in an Iranian jail, releases a music video to raise awareness for her fiance and friend who remain imprisoned.
more »
Ice sculpture festival journeys around the world's famous monuments and visits history's greatest figures.
more »
Top French chefs cook up gourmet food for surprised commuters in Paris.
more »