February 25, 2009
Argentina farmers end bank occupation ahead of government meeting
Argentine farmers on Tuesday (February 24) have ended the occupation of a bank branch in Entre Rios Province ahead of a key meeting between farm group leaders and the government.
The farmers had refused to leave the bank since Monday afternoon, demanding an explanation for steep hikes in variable interest rates charged on loans.
The protest was led by the local Agrarian Federation chapter president, Alfredo de Angeli, who was a key figure in a series of nationwide farm strikes last year.
The bank occupation came amid a four-day strike by farmers complaining about high export taxes and export limits.
On Thursday, the farmers announced the strike just hours after receiving an invitation to talks with Production Minister Debora Giorgi.
Farmers lifted the strike Tuesday as planned, but aren't optimistic that the meeting, scheduled for 2 p.m. local time (1600 GMT), will produce a dramatic breakthrough.
