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Ecuadorean Transport Unions Suspend Protests Over Fuel Subsidies

VOA News

   Ecuadorean transport unions agreed Friday to suspend protests after two
   days of unrest in which demonstrators blocked roads across the country.

   The announcement indicates that an agreement between the transport
   unions and the government was reached although details of any deal were
   not immediately announced.

   The protests, which began Thursday, were carried out by public
   transportation drivers, students and workers who were angry over the
   government's decision to scrap decades-old fuel subsidies.

   Demonstrators blocked roads across the country with tires and branches,
   forcing many bus and taxi services to shutdown.

   The government said Friday about 350 people had been detained for
   blocking traffic, interrupting public services or attacking police.
   Officials said the arrests took place mainly in the capital, Quito, and
   the coastal city of Guayaquil.

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