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Argentine fires blamed on farmers | Argentine fires blamed on farmers |
(8 minutes later) | |
Argentine President Cristina Fernandez has described as "irresponsible" farmers blamed for fires that have left a blanket of smoke across Buenos Aires. | Argentine President Cristina Fernandez has described as "irresponsible" farmers blamed for fires that have left a blanket of smoke across Buenos Aires. |
The fires from burning scrubland near the capital have disrupted air and road travel and smoke has spread across the River Plate to Montevideo, Uruguay. | The fires from burning scrubland near the capital have disrupted air and road travel and smoke has spread across the River Plate to Montevideo, Uruguay. |
The government accused the farmers of setting the fires off to clear pasture. | The government accused the farmers of setting the fires off to clear pasture. |
Farmers rejected the charge, saying it was designed to distract attention from a row over tax rises on farm exports. | Farmers rejected the charge, saying it was designed to distract attention from a row over tax rises on farm exports. |
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Smoke causes chaos in Buenos Aires | Smoke causes chaos in Buenos Aires |
Roads, airports and ports have been closed and Buenos Aires residents, complaining of breathing difficulties and problems with their eyes, are closing their windows and staying indoors. | Roads, airports and ports have been closed and Buenos Aires residents, complaining of breathing difficulties and problems with their eyes, are closing their windows and staying indoors. |
The smell of burning is everywhere, the BBC's Daniel Schweimler reports from the city. | The smell of burning is everywhere, the BBC's Daniel Schweimler reports from the city. |
Fire-fighters are battling to control the flames that have spread over thousands of hectares. | Fire-fighters are battling to control the flames that have spread over thousands of hectares. |
'Hand of man' | 'Hand of man' |
Argentine Interior Minister Florencio Randazzo said more than 300 fires had been detected. | Argentine Interior Minister Florencio Randazzo said more than 300 fires had been detected. |
In pictures: Buenos Aires smoke | In pictures: Buenos Aires smoke |
Cattle farmers were "paying no heed to the consequences, just focusing on maximising profits", he said. | Cattle farmers were "paying no heed to the consequences, just focusing on maximising profits", he said. |
"We are facing a disaster caused by the hand of man," he said, warning farmers faced prosecution. | "We are facing a disaster caused by the hand of man," he said, warning farmers faced prosecution. |
Argentine's left-wing government has been locked in a separate dispute with farmers over increases in export taxes on agricultural products. | Argentine's left-wing government has been locked in a separate dispute with farmers over increases in export taxes on agricultural products. |
Earlier this month, the farmers suspended a strike which had led to shortages, but gave the government until the end of the month to address their concerns. | Earlier this month, the farmers suspended a strike which had led to shortages, but gave the government until the end of the month to address their concerns. |
Meanwhile, Buenos Aires residents are hoping for a change in the wind direction to clear the smoke which is making their lives a misery, our correspondent adds. | Meanwhile, Buenos Aires residents are hoping for a change in the wind direction to clear the smoke which is making their lives a misery, our correspondent adds. |