(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-03-27 11:01

BUENOS AIRES - Argentine President Cristina Fernandez vowed on Tuesday that the government would firmly rejected demands by farmers prolonging their days-long strike against an export tax hike.

Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner (R) greets supporters after her arrival in Caracas to meet Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez March 6, 2008.  [Agencies]

Pledging not to give in to extortion, the president said the government would negotiate, but the strike, which began March 13, should stop first.

Facing the largest farm and ranch protest in decades and her most serious challenge since she took office, the president said in a speech that she understands agriculture's interests, but also wants farmers to know she is the president for all Argentine people.

Argentine farmers, who are protesting against a government measure to increase soya export tax from 35 percent to 45 percent, have blocked roads with trucks and tractors and vowed to continue the strike as long as necessary.

A woman waits to buy meat at a butcher shop in Buenos Aires, Tuesday, March 25, 2008. [Agencies]

The tax hike is aimed at garnering more revenue for the government amid soaring soybean prices, but the farmers claim the government is robbing them of their money.

The strike has forced the country to face a looming food shortage of farmed beef, dairy products, oil and grains.

Argentina is one of the world's leading exporters of beef and soybeans.