Leaders of all the countries of the Western Hemisphere, except Cuba meet in Mar del Plata, Argentina from October 28 through November 5 for the Fourth Summit of the Americas. Talks on the resumption of negotiations on creating the US-proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas ended in a deadlock after a group of left-leaning countries, headed by Brazil and Venezuela, opposed the idea, saying it would open their countries to exploitation by large American firms and do little to alleviate poverty. Read More | WSWS | Democracy Now | Summit of the Americas Leaves Region More Polarized

A People’s Summit was organized as a counter protest and thousands gathered to hear Venezuelan President Chavez speak. Audio From Democracy Now
The participation of US President George W. Bush in the Summit of the Americas unleashed a wave of popular outrage in both Argentina and Uruguay. Thousands marched in Argentina and among those marching was Argentine soccer superstar Diego Maradona. Later in the day 1,000 rioters clashed with police, setting bonfires in the streets and destroying storefronts. Over 87 people were arrested and 5 people are missing. Two Indymedia journalists were among the 87 people who have been detained by police.

Argentina Indymedia provided independent coverage from the streets of Mar Del Plata where the FTAA (Free Trade Area of the Americas) Summit of the Americas was held. Check out San Diego Indymedia for English-language translations.

Protesters mass to confront Bush in Argentina | Bush faces mass protests, opposition to trade pact in Argentina | Bush rebuked by the hand of God | Victory in Argentina! | Wikipedia: Mar del Plata Summit of the Americas