Police responded with tear gas, and as the protestors threw rocks and more fireworks, broight in busloads of armed riot police on foot, hourseback and motorcycles. Navy ships continue to patrol the harbor as helicopters circle overhead, a showing of more than the 7500 police and security forces on hand.
The violent demonstrations are orchestrated by piqueteros organized trade union members who include the poor, the unemployed and are experienced protestors. They don't carry weapons, but are armed with sticks, rocks, Molotov cocktails and firecrackers. They protect themselves against tear gas with bandannnas, lemon and vinegar.
While the violence was on the Avenida Colon, about seven blocks away from the hotel where the inaugural Summit meetings were held, the police pushed the demonstrators back. So far the security forces are demonstration patience, but they are prepared to escalate the amount of force needed to quell the demonstrations.
The protest is against the economic conditions, the free market economics which are considered to have brought financial ruin to Argentina, and President Bush in particular. The protestors circulate leaflets saying Fuera, Bush and burn paper US flags.
Security for all the Summit leaders and attendees is high, with particlarly intense security for Bush. Earlier in the day, the demonstrators listened to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez urge them to fight U.S. policies, including a proposal to create a hemisphere-wide free trade agreement.
