Buenos Aires shrouded in smoke - government and farmers play the blame game
- added April 18, 2008
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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 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.
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.
Fire-fighters are battling to control the flames that have spread over thousands of hectares.
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.
Farmers rejected the charge, saying it was designed to distract attention from a row over tax rises on farm exports.
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.
Fire-fighters are battling to control the flames that have spread over thousands of hectares.
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