Korean farmers protest cheap rice

SEOUL, South Korea -- Farmers opposing the World Trade Organization's free trade talks clashed with riot police Wednesday to protest openings in South Korea's rice market.

About 10,000 farmers tried to march on a government complex in Kwachon, south of Seoul. Riot police armed with batons and plastic shields blocked the protesters.

Farmers hurled eggs, dirt and garbage at the police. They tied ropes to the fence of the government complex and pulled down a 170-feet section before police beat them back.

Last week, trade ministers gathering at Doha, Qatar agreed to launch a new round of global trade talks aimed at reducing subsidies for agricultural products and other trade barriers. They have given themselves until Jan. 1, 2005 to complete the negotiations.

South Korean farmers accuse the Untied States of threatening their livelihood by forcing the country to open its markets further to cheap imported rice.