Thousands of public-school teachers, peasants, university students and workers rallied in Guatemala City Tuesday against the imminent approval of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States.

According to reports from the Guatemalan capital, the Trade Union and Popular Action Unity (UASP) said that at least 25,000 people joined the protest at the Constitution Square, in front of the National Palace of Culture, and in the vicinity of the Congress.

The demonstrators also blocked three main routes of access into the Guatemalan capital. No incidents have been reported yet.

The government has ordered the police to take actions to prevent demonstrators from breaking into the presidential residence and the premises of the Congress.

The protesters, who argued the agreement will result in a sale increase of foreign goods and consequently harm domestic interests, called the government to hold a referendum and let people decide the fate the FTA, signed by the Central American countries with the United States last year.

However, Guatemalan President Oscar Berger insisted on Monday he will not call a referendum prior to the ratification of the FTA,saying it is unnecessary and that the Congress has already listened to the opinion of all social sectors.

The UASP leader, Luis Lara, told the press that to prevent the Guatemalan parliament from approving the FTA, the demonstrations will continue in the coming days.

"President Oscar Berger, the rich, and their representatives, have to understand that the FTA will only benefit a few people, and for most people, it will only bring marginalization and hunger, " he added.

Source: Xinhua