French farmers launched on Thursday a pre-dawn blockade of roads into Paris and several of the city's landmarks in protest against a sweeping trade deal the European Union hopes soon to sign with South American nations as well as other grievances. The farmers forced their way into central Paris with around 100 tractors to protest the EU's intention to sign the Mercosur free trade agreement with South American nations, defying police blockades meant to keep them out of the capital. Thursday's protest was staged by the Rural Coordination union to put further pressure on France's government, which opposes the trade deal covering Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. French farmers say the agreement would damage their livelihoods. José Perez, President of the Rural Cooordination in the Lot-et-Garonne region in southwestern France, said "the goal today is to come to Paris to express our demands closer to those who have the power." "It's a strong symbol," he told The Associated Press. The French Interior Ministry said about 20 tractors reached the French capital's city centre, with some parking near the Arc de Triomphe and others demonstrating in front of the Eiffel Tower. The convoys "bypassed and forced their way" through police barriers, the ministry said, while most tractors were stopped at key traffic arteries marking the city's limits. The A13 motorway was closed from 5.53 am in the direction of Paris following the demonstrations. Farmers are also angry about the government's sanitary measures to control lumpy skin disease in cattle. Near Bordeaux, around 40 farm vehicles blocked access to the DPA oil depot in Bassens from 10 pm on Wednesday, according to the Gironde prefecture. The EU this week renewed internal negotiations over the trade agreement, with speculation a deal could be signed in Paraguay next Monday. Germany and other supporters may be able to override objections from France and Poland, whose fierce opposition derailed the deal last month. French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard reaffirmed France's opposition on Wednesday, saying the agreement threatens beef, chicken, sugar, ethanol and honey production. Rural Coordination called for a demonstration in front of the National Assembly at 10 am as part of the nationwide protest movement. Authorities have deployed a heavy police presence around central Paris landmarks. — Agencies
