Protests force Obuchi to flee

Protests force Obuchi to flee

SEOUL (AFP): Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi had to flee one of Seoul's most prestigious universities through a back exit Saturday to avoid a confrontation with protesting students, witnesses said.

Around 200 anti-Japanese students scuffled with plain-clothed police after blocking the main entrance of Korea University to prevent Obuchi's car leaving the campus after he delivered a speech there.

The incident followed a rally by students who had chanted anti-Japanese slogans, urging Japan to compensate victims of Japan's 35-year colonial rule here and demanding the cancellation of a just-concluded Japan-South Korea fisheries agreement which some here see as unfair.

No arrests or injuries were reported in the incident.