MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chilean students offered concessions

President Michelle Bachelet offered several concessions to Chilean high school students, whose nationwide protests have posed an early challenge to her three-month-old government.

The concessions announced by Bachelet on Thursday addressed issues ranging from reduced transportation fares to building repairs to the students' core demand: a federal takeover to reduce inequality between rich and poor schools.

Bachelet said the government will also send a bill to congress to reform the country's education law, which gives municipalities responsibility for public schools.

"The state will be the guarantor of a quality education for all Chileans," Bachelet said.

Critics say the law, which was issued by former dictator Augusto Pinochet one day before he left power in 1990, breeds inequality because of regional differences in available resources.

Bachelet did not elaborate on the changes she has in mind, but said the government would consult with students.

At least 20 people were injured and 700 arrested in three straight days of violent student protests that caused millions of dollars of property damage.

The socialist president announced emergency financing to provide free lunch at school for 500 poor students, repair 500 school buildings and renovate furniture at 1,200 others.

Bachelet also agreed to eliminate a $55 fee for an exit exam required for college applications, and said poor students would no longer have to pay $5.50 for a public transportation pass.

The president would not agree, however, to make transportation free for all students.

"This is a realistic government. I do not make promises that cannot be fulfilled," said Bachelet, who did not say how much the initiatives would cost.

Student leaders praised the announcement and were expected to consider the concessions Friday at assemblies around the country. They did not immediately say whether they would withdraw calls for a general strike Monday that has drawn support from teachers, public workers and college students.