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 News from Around the Americas | April 2005 
Ecuador's Ousted President Says His Removal Violated Constitution; OAS to Send Delegation
 Wire services
| | Hundreds of demonstrators calling for the resignation of Ecuadoran President Lucio Gutierrez stage violent protests near the National Congress in Quito. The Congress ousted Gutierrez and appointed the Vice President as head of the country. (Photo: Martin Bernetti/AFP) |
Quito, Ecuador - Ousted President Lucio Gutierrez remained holed up in the Brazilian ambassador's residence for a fourth day Saturday while he waited for Ecuador's new government to let him leave for exile in Brazil and insisted his removal from office violated the constitution. While protesters chanted insults outside the walled compound, the Organization of American States decided Friday night to send a high-level diplomatic delegation "as soon as possible" to investigate the situation and help "strengthen democracy." The OAS announced its plan in a resolution that avoided explicit recognition of the government of newly sworn-in President Alfredo Palacio.
Gutierrez lashed out at opponents Friday in his first public comments in three days, saying Wednesday's congressional vote removing him was illegal.
"Through an unconstitutional decision, with 62 votes, and without (my) having abandoned the post, they have taken me out of the presidency," the ex-army colonel said in a recorded statement broadcast on Ecuadorean television that was apparently intended for supporters.
"I think there has to be justice, respect for democracy, the constitution, and I ask you to make these declarations," he said, urging followers to relay his message.
More than 200 protesters blocked the gates of the ambassador's residence Friday night, demanding Gutierrez be tried for abuse of power, corruption and the repression of peaceful protests.
"He's not getting out of here," said Marta Cecilia Puente, 38, who joined the demonstration with her 11-year-old son. By early Saturday, the crowd had nearly disappeared, then about two dozen gathered again.
When Brazil's ambassador tried to leave the compound Friday, the crowd mobbed his sport-utility vehicle, banging on the hood and shaking the vehicle as police tried to keep them back. Unable to drive past, the vehicle slowly reversed back into the compound.
Ecuadorean Foreign Minister Antonio Parra said the government was in the process of arranging safe passage for Gutierrez, but didn't specify when.
It also was unclear how soon the OAS delegation would arrive. Diplomats said the OAS had for the first time invoked the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which says the organization may arrange visits to analyze such situations and, if needed, make decisions "for the preservation of the democratic system and its strengthening."
The political crisis was the latest in a long history of upheavals in Ecuador, where three presidents have been forced out since 1997.
Congress justified dismissing Gutierrez under a constitutional clause allowing lawmakers to remove a president for "abandonment of the post," even though he was still in the Government Palace issuing orders.
"We deplore the deterioration of constitutionality and democratic institutions in Ecuador that culminated in President Lucio Gutierrez's removal from office," John Maisto, U.S. ambassador to the OAS, said in Washington. "We urge Ecuador to address the underlying causes of the crisis, including the need for an independent, credible, and effective judiciary." |
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