WTO summit protest turns violent

Hundreds of riot police and protesters fought pitched battles in Hong Kong on Saturday as the demonstrators tried to reach a building where world trade ministers were meeting.

Many of the demonstrators were South Korean farmers, who are among the most heavily subsidized agricultural producers in the world. They're opposed to opening their country's rice market to imports.

Police shoot pepper spray over a South Korean protester. (AP photo)

They held what observers said was the most violent demonstrations since World Trade Organization talks began five days ago in the city's Wan Chai waterfront district.

Protesters with the Korean Peasants' League broke through a police line and officers tried to drive them away with tear gas, pepper spray, batons and fire hoses. Police parked two minibuses across a road to block their path.

Hong Kong television reported that at least 30 people had been injured while the government said five had been injured, including one police officer.

The protest came as European leaders agreed to a seven-year spending plan for the 25-nation bloc.

Britain agreed to cut its EU rebate, money it gets for not benefiting from farm subsidies, by 20 per cent ($12.57 billion Cdn). The savings would be turned over to countries that joined the bloc last year.

Prime Minister Tony Blair agreed to the concession after France opted for a budget review in 2008-2009, which could lead to cuts in agricultural subsidies.

The six-day talks are due to end on Sunday.