MEDIA REACTION: ECUADORIAN RELATIONS WITH

UNCLAS QUITO 001778

SIPDIS

STATE FOR INR/R/MR, WHA, WHA/AND, WHA/PDA
DIRONDCP FOR PA
EMBASSIES FOR PAO/IO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL OPRC KIRC KPAO EC
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: ECUADORIAN RELATIONS WITH
VENEZUELA; TERRORISM


1. "Third Party's Policies," a column (07/28) by
Rodrigo Fierro in Guayaquil's (and Ecuador's) leading
center-right "El Universo" (circ. 140,000)

Quote: ". . . the defense of our interests is taking
us closer to the policies of the Bolivarian Republic
of Venezuela. . .The search for new alternatives
shows even more clearly how our stagnant
underdevelopment is sinking us, and that great
endeavors such as the Free Trade Agreement, fostered
as they are by a savage capitalism, will be our
downfall."


2. "Fight against Terrorism," a column (07/24) by
Julio Prado Vallejo in Guayaquil's centrist "Expreso"
(circ. 28,000)

Quote: "We have to fight against the scourge of
terrorism, strengthening our political will,
directing aid towards the strengthening of
institutional capacities. Regrettably, situations
such as the ones created by the war in Iraq have
increased terrorism in the Middle East, where, under
the pretext of fighting against foreign troops, a
satanic terrorism is being used against civilians and
military. . .That is why it is even more important
that the United Nations ratify and enact the
instruments needed to fight against terrorism.

"This is a job that corresponds to every authority
and democratic political party either in the
government or in the opposition, because terrorist
violence is incompatible with democratic policies and
societies. . .

MEMMOTT