Thousands of trade unionists, farmers, students and workers are protesting in El Salvador against their government’s decision to commence CAFTA with the U.S.
El Salvador is the only Central American country thus far to officially join the trade agreement. The Bush Administration initially expected CAFTA to commence Jan. 1 with all five countries that have ratified the agreement. (Costa Rica is the only country not to sign the trade deal.)
"Its no coincidence that protests exploded in El Salvador the day before CAFTA was to go into effect, and that they continue today. In the face of President Saca’s posturing about El Salvador being the first country to implement CAFTA, the message from the people continues to be total rejection of this disgraceful agreement," said Burke Stansbury of the Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES).
Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) party leaders have stated they will appeal to the Supreme Court to annul the trade agreement.