Rally against free trade agreement with US in Seoul

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A massive rally against the US - South Korea Free Trade Agreement has been taking place. Tens of thousands of people gathered at the citys central square, while dozens of police were deployed to restrict access to the protest site. Similar demonstrations have been going on in South Korea since the approval of the FTA by President Lee Myung-bak last month.

Continued protest against the Free Trade Pact between South Korea and the US.

Speeches and demonstrations

Thousands of demonstrators gathered on the square, shouting "Free Trade Agreement, invalid" "Civilians must succeed". They even request Lee Myung-bak to step down. Through day into night, their words are warmly welcomed by many.

Protesters scuffle with riot police officers during a rally in Seoul, South Korea, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011. Protesters staged a rally against the passing of a bill on ratification of a South Korea-U.S. free trade agreement. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

A protester said, "The Free Trade Pact is against the will of our people. We protest because of our dissatisfaction with it."

The police tried to push the protesters away from the presidential residence.

They scuffled with police.

It is estimated more than 2,000 people took! part in the demonstration. Organizers are planning another larger scale demonstration next weekend.

These kinds of demonstrations have been ongoing in South Korea since the approval of the Free Trade Agreement by President Lee Myung-bak on November 29th.

It has taken four years of political wrangling to implement the US-South Korea Free Trade Agreement. The deal was initially signed in 2007 -- but some details were never ironed out -- until now. And despite this latest breakthrough, the trade deal remains a divisive issue for many South Koreans.

Editor:Shi Jierui |Source: CNTV



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