HONG KONG, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Militant Korean farmers were granted permission to protest in Hong Kong during next month's World Trade Organization summit, despite security concerns.
Members of the Korean Peasants League, considered one of the most violent anti-globalization protest groups, will join thousands of other non-governmental organizations and protesters at the WTO's Sixth Ministerial Conference, the South China Morning Post reported Monday.
One member of the group stabbed himself to death during the last ministerial meeting in Cancun, Mexico, in 2003. The group opposes the cutting of farm subsidies, one of the hottest issues on the table at the upcoming talks.
The Hong Kong summit is expected to attract some 10,000 protesters opposed to WTO efforts to reduce trade barriers.
Some non-governmental groups favor cuts in farm subsidies, while others want greater protection of national interests in agriculture.
Hong Kong authorities say they are determined to prevent the kind of protest-related violence that has marred previous international gatherings. Police Chief Inspector Alfred Ma said the Korean group's inclusion would not require extra security arrangements, however.
