Violent protests hit Colombia

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Agricultural workers clash with police in Colombia.

The farmers blocked roads and choked traffic across the country in protest at President Juan Manuel Santos' agricultural and economic policies.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PROTESTING FARMER, ANDRES ORJUELA, SAYING:

"We came to support the protests of our friends from Boyaca - and from every part of the country - that are being affected by the famous free trade agreements - that sadly are crushing the Colombian farmer. We cannot compete."

The protests that have been largely concentrated outside the nation's capital, have now moved closer to Bogota as protesters blocked roads into the city.

Violent confrontations broke out between police and agricultural workers as authorities tried to remove the roadblocks.

Potato, corn and milk producers complain that free trade agreements with Europe and the United States