ARGENTINA: LA PLATA: STUDENT AND POLICE CLASHES UPDATE

Описание: (21 Feb 1996) Spanish/Nat

Angry students have been taking to the streets of many Argentinean cities as feelings of dissatisfaction with the current government grow.

They are being supported by a newly emerged political group called Quebracho, which likens its struggle to that of the Zapatista rebels in Mexico.

Like the students, its members are speaking out - often loudly - against President Carlos Menem's administration.

Thousands of angry students have banded together to protest against a law that could end free university education.

Violent clashes broke out between police and students in the city of La Plata this week.
Several people were arrested.

The students have been joined in their protests by a group calling itself the Quebracho after a strong tree from the north of Argentina.

The political group emerged as a reaction against what it calls the "false democracy" of the current government.

It fights against repression and neo-liberal economic policies - its members battle for social justice and a patriotic and independent country.

SOUNDBITE: (In Spanish)
"What we proposed as an organisation was to demonstrate to the community beyond the isolation and far off battles, there was a group of Argentines determined to confront to the death the liberal project of Menemism."
SUPER CAPTION: Fernando Esteche, "Quebracho"

SOUNDBITE: (In Spanish)
"Today, Argentines are resisting with street mobilisations, rock throwing, burning politicians' homes, because they know politicians ruin their lives, are responsible for the way they live, and that's what we call the resistance."
SUPER CAPTION: Carlos Franca, "Quebracho"

The group meets at the Resistance House, the place where a similar resistance movement was put under fire and bombed during the 1960s.

The house is now a museum.

The members of Quebracho look to the house's history and the Argentine people for their inspiration.

Although the government paints a rosy picture, the country's economic situation is becoming increasingly difficult for the average citizen.

Quebracho's representatives make appearances at social protests - in particular student protests where they usually throw rocks to incite violence.

They have also been known to show up at demonstrations with covered faces like Wild West outlaws.

Far from seeing themselves as terrorists, the group sees itself as waging a popular struggle, like the impoverished Zapatista rebels in Mexico.

SOUNDBITE: (In Spanish)
"We are nourished by the people. If the people are throwing rocks, we throw rocks. If the people are burning public buildings, we will also be there. We believe that we, as a political organization, beyond theory are nourished by the experiences of the people."
SUPER CAPTION: Marcelo Yaguet, "Quebracho"

Quebracho says the current economic system is prompting an increase in poverty.

Although the movement is still small, the group hopes to draw more supporters in the future.

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