Former Chilean Dictator-Agusto Pinochet Is Dead!

December-10-2006:

Attention:
CNN is currently reporting that the demonstration on the streets in Chile, is as a result of the death of former President Pinochet. For the flying of the national flag at half mask in respect.
Which is definitely not so, as you will see from BBC's reports below.
Derryck.

Riots Mar Chile Strike!
Chilean police used tear gas and water canons to disperse demonstrators blocking roads in the capital, Santiago, as unions staged a one-day strike. It was the first nationwide strike in Chile for almost 20 years. Organisers declared the stoppage a success, but the government said support had been minimal. The strike was called by Chile's main trade union federation, CUT, to demand better working conditions and benefits. Riot police broke up a march by about 3,000 strikers along Santiago's main avenue, Alameda. Police moved in after youths began destroying traffic lights and shop windows. At least 130 people were arrested.

Frustration:
Trade union leaders said the violent demonstrators were not CUT members. "It was a big, active national strike with people marching, expressing themselves and seeking to be heard," CUT President Arturo Martinez said. CUT says the strike stopped 80% of business activity. However, the government insists the strike was a failure. It says most public services were close to normal - although 35% of school teachers joined the strike, and several government offices operated with reduced staff. Interior Minister Jose Miguel Insulza said that no businesses had stopped. Business associations reported that about 13% of private sector workers stayed away. The unions say they are frustrated with the policies of President Ricardo Lagos, a socialist they supported in the 2000 election.
The last time the CUT called a general strike was in the 1980's under military dictator Augusto Pinochet.
Story from BBC NEWS:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/3149541.stmPublished: 2003/08/14 05:41:33 GMT© BBC MMVI