The situation in Ecuador became confused from 7.00 in the morning when President Correa went to confront a group of discontented police officers (the Police Force has 40,000 members) and some demonstrators from the Armed Forces – who had closed the airport – unhappy about a law to reduce their benefits.
“I challenge you to take my life,” President Correa said, and he was answered by some tear gas being fired in his face. Escorted by his body guard he tried to retreat into the crowd but he was seized and one of the body guard was wounded as he tried to prevent him being taken by force into the Police Hospital. The President was detained there from 21.00 (local time) until he was freed by the Army.
The Union of South American States (UNASUR), of which Correa is President pro tempore, and the other members, have been lining up in favour of democracy. Alan García, President of Perù, was among the first to declare that it was necessary to maintain and defend democracy; Evo Morales, President of Bolivia, issued a similar statement and all the others were united against similar situations. The Organisation of American States (OEA) expressed its support for President Correa, so that democracy might prevail in Ecuador. Support for the elected President of Ecuador has also come from Mexico and the United States.
Having returned to the “Palazzo de Carondelet”, seat of the Government, the President expressed his thanks to those who had come to his defence and especially the army for his freedom. He pointed out that the Police had been given false information that he considered the episode a premeditated plot by his rivals.
However, tension remains high in the country since President Correa has accused Lucio Gutiérrez, his main political rival of being behind the revolt, and police pay negotiations are still facing difficulties.
Published 01/10/2010
