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SV PULL BACK TO GV Cornet player leads marching band in rousing tune
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SV Two men give whiplash demonstration
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TV Demonstrators in procession headed by drum majorettes (2 shots)
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SV PAN Band leads farmers in procession carrying placards
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CU Farmers wearing protest placards
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SV PAN Truck with banner carrying large model cheese leading procession of tractors
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TV PULL BACK TO GV Demonstrators pass along street
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Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Italian farmers with tractors and truckloads of farm produce brought Rome traffic to a halt on May 3 when they staged a colourful demonstration to demand a better deal from the government and the European Economic Community. The estimated 100,00 farmers gave passers-by farm produce from their trucks as they marched through some of the most fashionable streets of Rome to the sound of folk music and a marching band. The procession was headed by drum majorettes, and there were even novelty acts, such as whiplash performers. A statement by the farmers' confederation, Confcoltivatori, before the march began said the demonstration was to call for changes in the European Community's Common Agricultural Policy. The march's leaders were due to meet Italian President Sandro Pertini and Prime Minister Bettino Craxi on May 4. The confederation statement said the farmers were not asking for privileges or assistance, but an "extraordinary plan" for intervention at the national level and a real reform of Europe's agricultural policy.