The environmentalists' assembly in Gualeguaychú ruled out it could lift the roadblock on a bridge linking Argentina and Uruguay, which has been closed for more than two years as activists demand the relocation of a paper pulp mill.

The proposal to suspend the protest on June 28 was suggested by activists weeks ago, in a move to support democracy in a day in which both Argentina and Uruguay will hold elections. That Sunday, Uruguay will elect a new president, while Argentine will hold legislative elections.

The assembly has blocked the bridge uninterruptedly for more than two years, requesting that Finnish consortium Botnia relocate a paper mill plant located near the Uruguayan city of Fray Bentos. Protesters claim the plant, which was built on the banks of the Uruguay river, is polluting the area and affecting the quality of life of the residents of Gualeguaychú, just across the river.

The decision to maintain the roadblock during the election was approved by 65 percent of the members of the assembly in a vote, activists reported. They said suspending the protests would be "surrendering in the fight against Botnia."