The national protest called by the Coordinator of Popular Organizations ended at 6am this morning, after a 24-hour period in which the entire country had been shut down. Banks and public offices were empty and the streets, for the most part, deserted. In the more populous neighborhoods, considered “hot” by the police, there were street demonstrations, which, at times, became violent. A total of seven deaths, six civilians and one policeman, are attributed to the disturbances, while two other policemen remain hospitalized in serious condition. The deaths occurred in Santo Domingo, Bonao, Higuey and La Vega. Statements issued by representatives for the Coordinator said that the economic policies of the government and the energy situation were the motives for the national strike. According to Hoy newspaper, the Coordinator’s office told reporters that even though the strike has been lifted, the government now has 30 days to answer the demands of the protestors. The Coordinator for the National Strike Committee called the demonstrations “successful” and reaffirmed that the government has to reduce the price of the basic necessities, solve the blackout problem, raise salaries for the military and all public and private employees, reduce the price of gasoline and other fuels, assign 5% of the budget to the UASD university, finish the buildings already begun on that campus and guarantee that Father Rogelio Cruz not be transferred.