Brazil’s ports, motorways blocked by protesting workersJuly 12, 2013 - 11:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Tens of thousands of workers across Brazil have joined a day of strikes called by the country's largest trade unions. Key ports and several motorways were blocked, many schools and banks stayed closed and crowds marched through Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, BBC News reported. The unions want improved working conditions and better public services. The crowds were smaller than in last month's protests, which brought more than a million people onto the streets. The June demonstrations were sparked by transport fare rises, but quickly encompassed other issues. Other grievances were over the costs of staging the World Cup, corruption and demands for better health, education and transport. The "National Day of Struggles" called by the unions hit at least 10 Brazilian states on Thursday. Activities at Brazil's busiest port, Santos, and in Itaguai, in the south, and Suape, in the north-east, were halted by the strikers early in the morning. In many cities, bus and metro workers' strikes brought public transport to a near standstill, among them Porto Alegre, Salvador and Belo Horizonte. In Brazil's largest city, Sao Paulo, an estimated 4,000-strong crowd again blocked the renowned Avenida Paulista. The unions demanded land and pension reforms, a shorter working week and better public services, among other issues. In Rio de Janeiro, protest organizers gathered at least 2,500 people in the central area of the city. Although the demonstration was largely peaceful, police used tear gas to disperse some groups of protesters. The nationwide demonstrations in June for better education, healthcare and transport prompted President Dilma Rousseff to present a package of investments and reforms in public services. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |