The protesters say one agreement does HK a disservice
Hong Kong anti-globalisation activists staged a protest yesterday to urge the government not to sign any trade agreements at the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) fifth ministerial meeting in Mexico.
About 30 local members of Global Network - formed by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and trade unions all over the world - marched to the Hong Kong government headquarters to support their counterparts protesting in Cancun, Mexico.
The action came after a South Korean farmer stabbed himself in the chest during the demonstrations in Cancun yesterday. He later died in hospital. The man's friend said his suicide was an 'act of sacrifice' to show his disgust at the WTO and its policies.
Financial Secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen is representing Hong Kong at the meeting.
While calling his group 'critical and radical', the network spokesman in Hong Kong, Lam Chi-leung, said yesterday he regretted the Korean protester's death.
'We are sorry to hear about it,' he said. 'We don't think violence is needed in all protests. But our stance is clear. We don't welcome the WTO trade deal agreement and will take each and every opportunity to tell the world about it.'
