July 7, 2005

Online Edition of Salvanet Now Available
Click here to read the online version of the Spring-Summer edition of Salvanet entitled “The Debate on Development.” Those who receive the publication by mail can expect it shortly.

Hunger Strikers Abandon Cathedral, Place Hopes in the National Assembly
Eight laid off government workers who went on a 36-day hunger strike and subsequently occupied the National Cathedral for nearly a week abandoned the Cathedral today citing new hope that a favorable solution may soon be reached.

At the urging of their doctors and Human Rights Ombudsperson Beatrice de Carrillo, the workers ended the hunger strike last Friday. The workers then peacefully entered the National Cathedral and closed its doors, calling upon Archbishop Sáenz La Calle to intervene and arrange a meeting with President Saca. The day after the taking of the Cathedral, José Roberto López, who has acted as spokesperson for the workers, said: “Seeing the lack of a response from the government and that our lives were at risk, we had to give in to her [de Carrillo] but also take another action.” Read More

Anti-riot Police Clash with Students over Bus Fare Hike
Anti-riot police clashed yesterday at the National University with high school and university students who were protesting the recent increase in bus fares caused by rising gas prices. Twelve people were wounded and five were arrested. Police fired rubber and tear gas bullets, and students responded by setting a route bus on fire.

A number of the bus routes have increased fares—from 20 cents to 25 cents—beginning last week. Government officials and transportation union representatives are currently negotiating a solution to the crisis which may involve government transportation subsidies.

Human Rights Ombudsperson Beatrice de Carrillo questioned the actions of the police and said firing rubber and tear gas bullets at students on University grounds violated the University’s sovereignty. “The weapons and protection that the anti-riot police have do not compare to what the young people can make [as weapons],” she said.

Associated Press: Report on Labor Rights Hidden by U.S. Government
The Labor Department kept secret for more than a year government studies that concluded that several countries the administration wants to be granted free-trade status have poor working conditions and fail to protect workers' rights. The studies' conclusions contrast with the administration's arguments that Central American countries have made enough progress on such issues to warrant a free-trade deal with the United States. The agency dismissed the conclusions as inaccurate and biased, according to documents reviewed by The Associated Press. Read more