Hundreds of Protesters Rally Against Bushs Visit

Hundreds of South Korean protesters rallied Saturday against the resumption of U.S. beef imports and a

planned visit by U.S. President George W. Bush to Seoul.

The candlelight rally came three days before U.S. President Bush was slated to visit to Seoul on Tuesday and at a sensitive time for South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, who is trying to restore his five-month-old presidency by placating a public angered by his government's decision in April to resume imports of American beef.

"No to Bush's Visit to Korea!" "Down with the government of President Lee Myung-bak," chanted the protesters. No clashes with riot police were reported.

Large numbers of protesters have filled the center of Seoul almost daily since early May in protest at their government's decision to lift almost all restrictions on U.S. beef despite widespread public concern over mad cow disease.

Despite heavy rains, demonstrators marched through the streets of the capital before attempting to enter the main Gwanghwamun street which police had cordoned off.