Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Biotech / Medical : Monsanto Co. -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: JGoren who wrote (2187)	6/18/1999 10:07:00 PM
From: Dan Spillane	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 2539

BBC/UK 6/18 'Carnival against Capitalism' Business: The Economy Violence erupts at debt protest Riot police and demonstrators come face to face London's financial district is counting the cost of a day of protest that turned violent. Clashes flared up in the financial heart of London as police and protesters clashed during a 'Carnival against Capitalism' to mark the opening of the G8 world economic summit in Cologne. John McIntyre reports: "Eye witnesses blamed masked demonstrators for the violence" Thousands of people converged on the City of London, targeting banks and the London International Financial Futures Exchange. At least 42 demonstrators and four police officers were injured, including two protesters who were knocked down by a police van. Thousands crammed into the Square Mile to take part in the demonstration Police said they came under fire from bricks and blocks as protesters converged on the City's Square Mile. "Missiles are being thrown at police and police vehicles have been damaged. Officers are keeping the crowds under surveillance," said a City of London spokesman. "They are throwing stuff from building sites - bricks, concrete blocks and other debris," he added. But the Lord Mayor of London, Lord Levene, criticised police tactics for being over-zealous. Run over by police van A female protester was knocked down by a reversing police van on London Wall. She was taken to the Royal London Hospital suffering from concussion. A police spokesman confirmed: "The police van was surrounded by demonstrators on London Wall and was under heavy attack and was trying to extricate itself from that when this woman was knocked down," he said. "We very much regret the fact that this person has been injured but we have made every effort throughout the day and, prior to today in our planning, to minimise the risk of injury to any person." Traffic brought to a standstill Some 50 protesters smashed the glass doors of the London International Financial Futures Exchange (LIFFE). They eventually left under police escort and were shepherded into a nearby square where renewed clashes broke out. Some protesters managed to get their message across peacefully LIFFE traders went onto their fire escape and threw trading cards onto the protesters in an act of defiance. Trading was halted as the building was evacuated. Earlier around 300 cyclists had disrupted traffic in London's financial heartland. Carrying banners with slogans like "Money Kills", they rode slowly into the city centre and brought traffic around the Bank of England in Threadneedle Street to a standstill. Eight demonstrators managed to enter Lloyds Bank in Cheapside and some chained themselves inside. A further six went into the NatWest bank on the same street but left after police were called. Two other activists were removed from Tower Bridge after they tried to climb the structure. Campaigners also daubed pink paint on the door of the London Metal Exchange. Initially there were less than 500 campaigners in the City, but crowds then began to gather around Liverpool Street station before the violence flared. Concern for City workers A City police spokesman added: "Our paramount consideration will be to prevent City workers from being the victim of offences." Anne Philpott, who works in an insurance company, said: "I'm not sure (the protesters) will achieve much this way. There is more chance of irritating people." A retired City worker was more direct and disparaging. "They all live in trees and swamps," he said. But many protesters were anxious to promote a peaceful message. But Des Kay, of the Save the World Club, said: "As Gandhi said 'There's enough on this planet for everyone's needs but not for everyone's greed'. That is what today is all about." The London rally had been timed to coincide with other rallies around the world marking the start of the Group of Eight rich countries' summit. German police were expecting up to 100,000 demonstrators to protest in Cologne calling for the burden of debt in the world's poorest countries to be cancelled. As the protests continued, world leaders announced they had reached to a deal to forgive up to $90bn or 40% of that debt. news.bbc.co.uk