PROTESTS COOL, INDIGENOUS TO REGROUP

UNCLAS QUITO 000737 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PGOV PHUM PREL EC SUBJECT: PROTESTS COOL, INDIGENOUS TO REGROUP REF: QUITO 725 ¶1. Summary: Indigenous coalition CONAIE has temporarily suspended protests, promising to regroup for a return to the streets in April. The announcement followed protests March 23 in the North Central Province of Imbabura that left 12 with minor injuries and 22 arrested. The GOE has refused to negotiate with disgruntled groups until order is restored. End Summary. Indigenous To Leave Quito -------------- ¶2. Following a day of increased violence between public authorities and protesters, CONAIE has announced that indigenous members in Quito will suspend protests and return to their home communities to prepare an "uprising." Indigenous leaders have said the suspension of protests will only last until March 31. Macas said that on March 31, a national indigenous assembly would be held in Riobamba where the "uprising," most likely to begin in April, would be planned. CONAIE leadership also announced on March 23 that they were not ready to dialogue with the Palacio government. Roads were reported to be open in all but Imbabura Province Friday. In the morning, high school students blocked roads surrounding their school in Quito. Protests on March 23 in Imbabura left 12 injured and led to the arrest of 22. GOE Wants Order Before Negotiating -------------- ¶3. Presidential communication secretary Enrique Proano said the GOE would not negotiate with indigenous protesters until disruptions ceased. Proano also told press that losses due to the strike were between 103 and 223 million dollars, according to a government study led by the Minister of Labor. Proano also said the government would continue the state of emergency in the five provinces until the situation returned to normal. Comment -------------- ¶4. CONAIE's temporarily withdrawal likely only represents a lull in the storm. However, this break will also give GOE officials time to elaborate a response to indigenous. BROWN