Guatemala police, protestors clash over trade pact

Guatemalan police fired tear gas and a water cannon at protesters throwing rocks outside Congress, where lawmakers postponed a vote on a regional free-trade agreement with the United States.

Around 100 demonstrators hurled sticks, bottles and rocks at police in the second day of clashes over the US-Central American Free Trade Agreement, or CAFTA.

Police fired a water cannon with blue dye at the protesters, mostly masked students and peasants. Five people were injured, witnesses said.

Legislators put off their vote on the trade pact, which would lower or eliminate tariffs between the United States, five Central American countries and the Dominican Republic.

"I think another attempt to pass it will be made on Thursday," said Mariano Rayo, head of Congress' economy commission.

Left-wing groups in Central America worry about the deal's impact on jobs and whether small farmers will be able to compete against US subsidised agriculture.

Protesters scuffled for hours with police on Tuesday and blocked deputies entering Congress.

Honduras and El Salvador have already approved the deal, considered the most contentious trade issue before the US Congress this year.

The pact has yet to be approved by lawmakers in the United States, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

- REUTERS