Prensa Latina, Havana
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Argentina Annuls Private Water Contract

Buenos Aires, Mar 21 (Prensa Latina) The Argentine Nestor Kirchner
administration rescinded the contract of Aguas Argentinas Tuesday, the multinational Swiss-controlled group that has controlled national water since the 90s.

In announcing the resolution, Federal Planning Minister Julio de Vido emphasized to press the decision was made to defend the neediest sectors from abuses committed by the firm.

"Access to water is considered a human right that should be based in social justice," the official stressed and said the Argentine State must prioritize protecting the most defenseless from the excesses of the transnationals.

The Swiss were accused of allowing high levels of nitrate in the water, failing to invest in the sector and non-compliance with the
contract, the minister said.

Following complaints the Swiss group in control threatened to pullout of the country, to which threat Kirchner replied that the Casa Rosada would not consent to extortion.

>From now on, following approval by the Legislature, the state Aguas y Saneamientos Argentinos (AISA) will be in charge of potable water in the capital and its urban extension.