Chilean student protesters agree to talks

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SANTIAGO, Chile, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Student organizers have agreed to discuss education reform with the government of Chile after months of strikes and demonstrations, officials said.

Student representatives met for more than 10 hours on Tuesday to discuss whether to talk to the government after Chilean President Sebastian Pinera rejected the protesters' demands, La Tercera reported Wednesday.

The students agreed to talk after Chilean Education Minister Felipe Bulnes vowed to address their requests.

Student groups have asked the government to increase funding for public education and to freeze education bills in the Chilean Congress. The government has offered some changes and increased funding.

The students said their protests, including a national stoppage on Thursday, would continue.

Demonstrations for education reform started in April when thousands of students took to the streets across Chile.