70,000 coffee farmers called to join protest in Colombia

A wave of strikes and protests by Colombian farmers and truck drivers is spreading with a call for 70,000 coffee farmers to take part in the action on Saturday, a news report said. Rice and potato farmers in nine Colombian jurisdictions have joined the protests demanding more state support, while truck drivers are demanding a reduction in the price of petrol. The protests began Monday and have involved blockades by some of the truck drivers, dpa reported. According to police, 175 demonstrators have been arrested and dozens of blockades have been cleared away. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said his government would not negotiation under pressure.