MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine farmers' conflict leads to a “dialogue season”

“Positive” and “important” were the words used to describe the Monday afternoon hour and a half meeting between Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and farmers in Government House following a stand off of over 100 days.

The meeting was positive; whenever dialogue resumes is positive", said Cabinet Chief Alberto Fernandez who will continue as the contact man with farmers representatives. However he added that Mrs. Kirchner pointed out to the farmers the negative consequences of the 100-day stoppage which caused food and fuel shortages because of the road blocks, and the impact it had on Argentina's exports. "The democratic tempo has been rebuilt, with discrepancies but with respect. It's important this happened", said Eduardo Buzzi one of the farm leaders. However he added that he wasn't "optimistic or pessimistic, rather realistic, since there's a lot of work ahead". "We believe meetings must have continuity", said Mario Llambías another of the leaders present at the meeting with the President. Cabinet chief Fernandez said that Mrs. Kirchner proposed an open, frank talk about all problems facing the camp, but also recalled that "during the 100 day conflict while Argentines were short of food and fuel, grain exports continued". The meeting was the first in over a month and the third time the president meets the camp representatives, after weeks of strong attacks and accusations plus street demonstrations and rallies to show who has the most public opinion support. Nevertheless the hike in export taxes on grains and oilseeds, decided last March 11, and which triggered the conflict remained in a limbo following the meeting with President Cristina Fernandez. Asked by the farmers about suspending the controversial resolution 125, according to farm leaders Mrs. Kirchner simply did not answer and finally said the issue was under consideration in Congress. From the meeting in Casa Rosada the four farm representatives rushed to Congress where the Budget and Agriculture commissions of the Lower House were beginning the discussion of the bill sent by the Executive. Close to midnight it was decided to continue consideration tomorrow Tuesday. In Congress the ruling coalition, theoretically has a comfortable majority to support the bill but given the magnitude of the conflict and significance of agriculture for many Argentine provinces, the Kirchner administration is not completely sure as to the final result. Apparently the Kirchner administration is willing to admit compensations and cost considerations for small and medium farmers but is adamant in changing the percentages of the original sliding export tax. Meantime vice president Julio Cobos and president of the Senate met with three governors to talk about the farmers' issue, and although the invitation was extensive to all governors, (which did not turn up under pressure from the Kirchners) the fact that it did take place sent a strong political message. According to Buenos Aires press reports the Kirchner administration could have to accept amendments to the resolution in the Lower House but has a sufficient strong coalition in the Senate to pass the bill as sent originally. But this could suffer surprises as the issue is openly discussed in Congress. Another surprise in the ample square across from Congress was the huge tents set up over the weekend by "pro-Kirchner" "pro-export taxes" militants, in advance of the announced intention of farmers to set up a "green tent" for as long as the Congressional discussion was ongoing or the suspension of the disputed resolution 125 decided. In related news the Buenos Aires livestock market received on Monday a record number of over 27.000 head when the normal is between 6 and 8.000. Last week the number for the total five activity days was 10.000.