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Chile President Declares State of Emergency After Violent Protests

Agence France-Presse

   SANTIAGO, CHILE - Chile's president declared a state of emergency in
   Santiago Friday night and gave the military responsibility for security
   after a day of violent protests over increases in the price of metro
   tickets.

   "I have declared a state of emergency and, to that end, I have
   appointed Major General Javier Iturriaga del Campo as head of national
   defense, in accordance with the provisions of our state of emergency
   legislation," President Sebastian Pinera said.

   Throughout Friday, protestors clashed with riot police in several parts
   of the city and the subway system was shut after attacks on several
   stations.

   Violent clashes escalated as night fell, and the ENEL power company
   building and a Banco Chile branch, both in the city center, were set on
   fire and several metro stations hit with Molotov cocktails.

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