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Brazil's Temer deplores violent protests, says to press ahead with reforms

Demonstrators take part in a protest against President Michel Temer's proposed reform of Brazil's social security system in Sao Paulo, Brazil, April 28, 2017. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's President Michel Temer deplored violent clashes in Rio de Janeiro during a national strike on Friday but said his government would press ahead with its agenda of reforms aimed at balancing the budget. Temer criticized demonstrators who blocked roads and prevented workers from reaching their jobs during the one-day strike against his proposals to reform labour laws and pensions. "The work to modernize the country's laws will continue," Temer said in a statement. (Reporting by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Daniel Flynn)