January 2, 2000
Web posted at: 12:25 a.m. EST (0525 GMT)

From Correspondent Sonia Ruseler

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (CNN) -- Some Argentines on Saturday marked the new year not with a big party but a human rights rally in Buenos Aires. Despite the seriousness of the cause, many see such events as a sign of the growing strength of Argentina's maturing democracy.

Gathered in front of the national government house, the Casa Rosada or Pink House, the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo demanded justice against military leaders who killed their sons and daughters two decades ago.

Argentina's Dirty War was the darkest chapter in the nation's history in the 20th century, which included 50 years of nearly constant military rule.

But Argentina enters the 21st century with democracy firmly established. Newly elected president Fernando de la Rua took office in December, the fourth democratic president in 16 years.

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Correspondent Sonia Ruseler reports on some of Argentina's aspirations for the future. (January 1) Real 28K 80K Windows Media 28K 80K

The nation boasts regular free and fair elections, a vibrant press and a strong right to protest. With democracy thriving, Argentina hopes the new century will bring economic benefits.

The nation is in the middle of drastic economic reforms. The peso has been valued one to one with the U.S. dollar, slashing inflation to virtually zero. A pro-business privatization program has helped the stock market go up 28 percent in 1999.

Yet the cost of economic reform has been high in Argentina, where unemployment is officially 16 percent. Thousands of jobs have been eliminated by a bloated state sector or by newly privatized companies.

And many new jobs that international investments were supposed to pay for never materialized, going instead to other countries with cheaper labor, like India or China.

With a new government installed, many in Argentina hope for work just to pay for necessities. The country prides itself on the quality of its beef exports, but some are forced to steal to pay for food.

Blessed with natural resources, Argentina a century ago seemed destined to become one of the richest countries. Argentines hope their nation lives up to the promise in the 21st century.

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