Protestors clash with police at 3 amigos summit in Montebello, Quebec - Harper calls protestors "sad"

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Lou Dobbs Tonight - 05_07_07 - Canadians & the SPP & NAU

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According to major media sources, Protestors have been fighting pitched battles with riot police outside of the 3 Amigos Summit in Montebello, Quebec. The Security and Prosperity Partnership is a joint venture between the three North American nations of Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Police have been using tear gas and pepper spray against protestors who have been allegedly hurling rocks and branches at police. You know the protest is in Canada when trees are being used as weapons. 

The security situation has been described by CBC Canada as "a four-metre security fence and police in riot gear who are patrolling
the area on foot, in cars, on motorcycles and in helicopters."

Protestors are worried about Canada giving up its natural resources due to the SPP agreement.  "Many protesters said they are concerned about Canada losing control of
its energy, water resources and border as initiatives such as the SPP
treaty increase and expand."

"At least 500 protesters took part in a march outside the hotel,
carrying signs with slogans such as "No to Americanada." Others held a
peaceful family-friendly rally away from police lines."

The organization of the protest seems to be similar to the FTAA protest of 2001 (also in Quebec) when numerous busloads of protestors and assorted affinity groups converged on an international summit.

According to the Canadian Press, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper was asked about the protest by members of the media they describe his reaction as - "Stephen Harper shook hands with George W. Bush and dismissed the protest as a "sad" spectacle."

UPDATE (11:36 AM EST 21/08/07)

Various major media sources have declared that due to the situation with Hurricane Dean, Mexican President Vicente Calderon will be returning to Mexico. From the Toronto Star 

"But the day's agenda has been cut short to allow Mexican President
Felipe Calderón to return home to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane
Dean, which came ashore overnight on the Yucatan Peninsula."