Walter Yoia, Buenos Aires
The longest roadblock in Argentina's history reached a month on March 4, as residents and environmentalists protest neighbouring Uruguay's push to allow construction to continue at the Fray Bentos paper mill. What began as an initial protest by residents from the province of Entre Rios has escalated to international tension between the two countries.
Protesters have demanded an end to construction of the plant, claiming that the paper mill will not comply with environmental standards and will have devastating effects on the surrounding area. According to environmentalists, contamination from the mill will affect local tourism, the fishing and honey industries, soil quality and the daily lives of residents in the neighbouring town of Gualeguaychu, who will have to endure the smells created by the paper making process.
The owners of the plant, ENCE and Botnia, refuse to cease construction of the plant, claiming they have met environmental standards. However, their decision to build their plant in Uruguay came after the refusal of European nations to allow the plant in their countries.
Uruguay has sought a resolution by requesting that the Organization of American States intervene. Argentina has said it will take the issue before the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Argentinian President Nestor Kirchner attempted to diffuse the situation by asking for 90 days' suspension of construction of the plant in order to conduct environmental impact tests. Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez, while welcoming the effort to restart communications, said that nothing can happen until the roadblocks leading into Uruguay are lifted.
The governor of Entre Rios personally tried to persuade the picketers to lift the blockade for three days. However, an assembly of the blockaders met and decided not to, as they did not believe that construction would be paused, something that the company owners confirm.
From 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ Weekly, March 15, 2006.
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