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| Identifier | Subject | Date | Office | Classification | Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04QUITO2198 |
ECUADOR MOVING FORWARD ON COMBATING TIP [...] Summary. A State Department Trafficking in Persons (TIP) delegation visited Ecuador from July 30 to August 4. Their agenda included a series of meetings with high-level GOE officials (the Ministers of Government and Labor), a congresswoman, different units of the police, the MFA, and severa [...] |
2004-08-06 12:27:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PREL PGOV EC |
| 04QUITO2208 |
GOE CONCERNED, YET UNWILLING TO ACT ON VENEZUELAN [...] (C) At an August 5 dinner hosted by Ecuadorian President Lucio Gutierrez in honor of visiting President Jimmy Carter, the Ambassador raised U.S. concerns (reftel) over the August 15 Venezuelan referendum. Gutierrez asserted that Ecuador wanted "real" democracy in Venezuela. The birthplace of [...] |
2004-08-09 17:49:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | KDEM KPAO PGOV PREL EC VE |
| 04QUITO2235 |
ECUADOR'S RAIDS AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS [...] Summary. The police in Ecuador have conducted 75 raids (compared to five required in the action plan) aimed at eradicating trafficking in persons (TIP) and focusing on the commercial sexual exploitation of minors. Minors were found in 25 raids and typically were released to family members. [...] |
2004-08-11 22:05:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2251 |
PARTY POSTURING PROMPTS BUCARAM RETURN RUMORS [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Lucio Gutierrez's recent comments favoring the return of exiled former President Abdala Bucaram have ignited a political firestorm in Ecuador, with leading opposition parties promising that impeachment proceedings would shortly follow. Bucaram, whom Congress removed in [...] |
2004-08-13 16:41:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KDEM KCOR PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2252 |
ECUADOR'S TIP CZAR GOES TO THE PRESS [...] Summary. Ecuador's TIP Coordinator, the Minister of Government Baca, cooperated with the country's largest newspaper for a front-page article recognizing the TIP problem and laying out a plan to combat it, including penal code reforms. The reforms are a significant step forward and comply w [...] |
2004-08-13 16:43:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2268 |
FORMER PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER DISCUSSES GALAPAGOS [...] Summary: At dinner on August 5, former President Jimmy Carter discussed with President Lucio Gutierrez the importance of protection of the Galapagos Islands. Gutierrez also expressed concern for the issue. Carter suggested that the Carter Center may host a conference on the protection of th [...] |
2004-08-17 20:32:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV EFIS EC |
| 04QUITO2287 |
ECUADOR LIKELY TO HELP ON NAM RESOLUTION [...] PolCouns provided reftel points to Amb. Fernando Flores Macias, DirGen for Multilateral Affairs, on August 17. Flores told PolCouns on August 18 that Ecuador's delegation to the NAM meeting in Durban, led by Vice Minister Edwin Johnson, will determine the GoE position on this issue. He pledg [...] |
2004-08-19 20:29:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | KNNP PREL PARM MNUC |
| 04QUITO2301 |
BREAKFAST WITH GUTIERREZ: ECONOMIC ISSUES [...] (SBU) Summary: In a breakfast meeting on August 18, President Gutierrez told the Ambassador that Ecuador will resolve its business disputes with the U.S. He expressed appreciation to the U.S. for its economic assistance, stated that he had instructed Minister of Trade Ivonne Baki to work mo [...] |
2004-08-20 16:41:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV EAID SENV EC |
| 04QUITO2303 |
AMBASSADOR'S TOUR D'HORIZON WITH PRES. GUTIERREZ [...] (C) Summary: In a private breakfast meeting with the Ambassador and DCM on August 18 at the National Palace, President Lucio Gutierrez discussed upcoming municipal elections, his Cabinet, and requested additional U.S. aid for the social sector. The Ambassador encouraged free and fair electio [...] |
2004-08-20 16:41:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2327 |
THE PROCURADOR STRIKES BACK AT OCCIDENTAL PETROLEUM [...] (U) See paragraph 11 for an action request. 2. (C) Summary. Ecuador's Procurador (Solicitor General) may be seeking to terminate Occidental Petroleum's (Oxy) Block 15 participation contract for alleged violations of the hydrocarbon law. If the allegations are upheld, Oxy's Block 15 contr [...] |
2004-08-24 21:01:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | ETRD EPET ECON EC |
| 04QUITO2333 |
ECUADOR'S ECONOMIC PROGRAM [...] (SBU) Summary: Minister of Economy and Finances Mauricio Yepez told Ambassador on August 23 that the GOE had covered its financing needs for 2004 and is now planning for 2005. The GOE would carry out significant reforms this fall, including ending the subsidy of household gas and a reform of [...] |
2004-08-24 22:45:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON ENRG EC |
| 04QUITO2334 |
ECUADOR'S INDIGENOUS: QUIET BUT CONFIDENT [...] (SBU) Summary: Battered by its early association with an unpopular government it helped install, bruised by open internal divisions, and hurt by a humiliatingly low turnout in fizzled national protests in June, Ecuadorian indigenous leaders might be expected to have low electoral expectations [...] |
2004-08-24 22:51:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM EC |
| 04QUITO2362 |
AMB. SIV PROMOTES UNGA AGENDA [...] Summary: During a visit to Quito on August 21-22, U.S. Representative to ECOSOC Ambassador Sichan Siv raised UNGA demarche points (Ref A) and other multilateral issues with Amb. Fernando Flores Macias, DirGen for Multilateral Affairs. Ambassador Siv also expressed disappointment with Ecuador [...] |
2004-08-26 12:39:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL ECON PHUM KDEM AORC EC UNGA UN |
| 04QUITO2365 |
NO WORD FROM ECUADOR ON TEDS CHANGES [...] No summary [...] |
2004-08-26 14:29:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIS ETRD SENV EC OES |
| 04QUITO2366 |
ECUADOR'S RESPONSE TO ICAO ASSEMBLY DEMARCHE [...] No summary [...] |
2004-08-26 14:30:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | EAIR AORC EC ICAO |
| 04QUITO2380 |
PROGRESS ON OCCIDENTAL CASE [...] (SBU) Summary. Occidental Petroleum (Oxy) and Embassy efforts to tone down the rhetoric and reach an amicable resolution with the GOE are starting to pay dividends. Oxy had a productive meeting with the Procurador (Solicitor General). President Gutierrez has selected a commission, comprised [...] |
2004-08-27 17:43:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ETRD ECON EC |
| 04QUITO2382 |
ECUADORIAN ARMS, MUNITIONS OFFERED FOR DESTRUCTION [...] In response to the Embassy's offer to include Ecuador in the State Department's Small Arms/Light Weapons (SALW) destruction program, Ecuador's service chiefs recently provided lists of weapons and ammunition they wish to destroy. Ecuador's joint command later blessed the inventory. Post bel [...] |
2004-08-27 19:59:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PARM MASS MOPS MARR PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2399 |
FAWNING THRONGS GREET LULA IN QUITO [...] (C) SUMMARY: Cheering crowds met Brazilian President Lula da Silva at every stop during his August 24-25 visit to Quito. Pre-arrival press was universally positive, portraying the ex-labor leader as a third-world savior and counterweight to the United States. Concurrently, editorials ravag [...] |
2004-08-30 18:03:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV ETRD ECON EFIN EC BR UN |
| 04QUITO2418 |
OXY BRINGS IN THE BIG GUNS - EMBASSY KEEPS FIRING [...] (U) Summary. Occidental Petroleum (Oxy) brought a team of lawyers and executives to Ecuador to discuss the GOE's claims that Oxy failed to comply with the hydrocarbon law in the transfer of 40% share of its Block 15 interest to Canadian oil company EnCana. Oxy is confident that it is on sol [...] |
2004-09-02 22:01:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ETRD ECON EC |
| 04QUITO2446 |
PRESIDENT GUTIERREZ' LATEST POLITICAL BLUNDER [...] (C) Summary: President Gutierrez urgently invited the Ambassador to a private breakfast on September 7 to discuss fallout from his recent visit to Panama. There, he had met with disgraced former president Abdala Bucaram, setting off a political firestorm at home. After hearing the President's e [...] |
2004-09-08 13:18:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV ELAB EC |
| 04QUITO2447 |
ECUADOR CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD ON TRAFFICKING [...] (U) Summary. Ecuador continues to push ahead in its fight against trafficking in persons (TIP). The Embassy TIP working group met on September 1 to review GOE and USG efforts to combat TIP since the August 18th Presidential decree (Reftel). Raids on brothels continued, and the GOE is giving [...] |
2004-09-08 16:30:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2448 |
ECUADOR CHILD LABOR UPDATE [...] (U) Summary. Child labor remains a major problem in Ecuador. However, the GoE, NGOs and other institutions are taking steps to combat worst forms of child labor in Ecuador. More clearly needs to be done, particularly in the enforcement of child labor laws and the rehabilitation of child la [...] |
2004-09-08 17:00:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | EIND ELAB ETRD PHUM SOCI EC |
| 04QUITO2449 |
PREPARING FOR ECUADORIAN ELECTIONS OCTOBER [...] (SBU) Summary: Ecuador's upcoming local elections are an indirect test of the Gutierrez Administration's strength (it is widely expected to fail that test) and, more importantly, an opportunity for Ecuadorian voters to renew their faith in the democratic process. President Gutierrez' Patriot [...] |
2004-09-08 17:27:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KDEM KCOR PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2459 |
ECUADOR: POLITICAL INSTABILITY RISING [...] (C) Summary: After a hiatus of three months, and with local elections looming in October, the political temperature here is rising, fueling rumors of political instability. While we take these recurrent rumors with a grain of salt, opposition politicians blame President Gutierrez' political [...] |
2004-09-09 22:33:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2462 |
OXY: GOE TAKES A SERIOUS WRONG TURN [...] (U) See action request in paragraph 12. 2. (C) Summary. The GOE is proceeding with the contract nullification process (caducidad) against Occidental Petroleum (Oxy), potentially triggering the nationalization of Oxy's assets in Ecuador. Presidential Legal Advisor Carlos Larrea acknowledge [...] |
2004-09-10 18:42:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ETRD ECON EC |
| 04QUITO2464 |
GALAPAGOS PARK LEADERSHIP POTENTIALLY DESTABILIZED [...] (U)Summary: The status of the leadership of the Galapagos National Park (GNP) is uncertain, with Park Director Edwin Naula facing possible dismissal. There are political motives behind the change and we will continue to press for stability. The US Mission has expressed concern at the highes [...] |
2004-09-10 19:50:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV EAID ECON EFIS ETRD PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2480 |
LABOR DELEGATION CONSULTATIONS IN ECUADOR [...] (U) Summary. During a September 1-3 visit to Ecuador, an interagency labor delegation met with GoE officials, labor and business representatives and Ecuadorian civil society representatives, fulfilling the Trade Promotion Authority mandate to consult on labor law and practice and begin the f [...] |
2004-09-13 20:23:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB PGOV EC |
| 04QUITO2497 |
ECUADOR: POLITICAL STABILITY AND USG SUPPORT [...] (S) Summary: With President Gutierrez increasingly isolated and weakened, his Cabinet divided and Congress hopelessly fragmented, rumors continue to swirl about a constitutional or extra-constitutional change in the Presidency. In this context we have reviewed how political instability here [...] |
2004-09-14 22:44:00 | Embassy Quito | SECRET | PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2499 |
ECUADOR EVASIVE OVER NEW YORK BOLTON MEETING [...] (U) In response to Reftel, the Embassy August 20 contacted the Ecuadorian MFA's Article 98 coordinator, attorney Renan Mosquera, to seek a New York meeting between Foreign Minister Patricio Zuquilanda and Under Secretary John Bolton. Customary in the overly formal MFA, Mosquera requested the [...] |
2004-09-15 15:06:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL EC KICC UNGA |
| 04QUITO2500 |
FIGHTING ELECTORAL FRAUD, MISCOUNTS WITH TECHNOLOGY [...] SUMMARY: Ecuador's byzantine electoral process demands newspaper-sized ballots, seven-hour counts, and spawns unacceptable numbers of nullified votes. Worse, its complexity raises the possibility of electoral fraud. Ecuador's supreme electoral authority sees a partial solution in increased [...] |
2004-09-15 16:02:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | KDEM PGOV PREL PHUM EC |
| 04QUITO2502 |
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 QUITO 002502 [...] No summary [...] |
2004-09-15 17:02:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | NOTAG |
| 04QUITO2509 |
OXY: THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM - OR PROGRESS? [...] (C) Summary. Occidental Petroleum's (Oxy) meetings in the US and USG efforts have provided a temporary calm in the contract nullification process. Oxy has still not been officially notified of its alleged violations of the hydrocarbon law, thus the statutory time period for it to respond has [...] |
2004-09-16 14:47:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ETRD ECON EC |
| 04QUITO2519 |
ECUADOR CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD ON TIP [...] Summary. Ecuador continues its strong fight against trafficking in persons (TIP), commercial sexual exploitation of minors (CSEM), and child pornography and has made additional progress since the last update. Congress is reviewing penal code reforms to change the definition of a minor to a ch [...] |
2004-09-16 20:07:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2533 |
MINISTER OF LABOR SHARES CONCERNS ON CHILD LABOR [...] (U) Summary. At a breakfast meeting at the Ambassador's residence on September 15, the Ambassador emphasized to MOL Raul Izurieta the importance of combating child labor and inquired into current MOL efforts to do so. Izurieta described efforts the Ministry is already taking towards elimina [...] |
2004-09-17 18:55:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB PGOV EC |
| 04QUITO2534 |
MOL PROMISES SUBCONTRACTING DECREE THIS WEEK [...] (SBU) Summary. At breakfast with the Ambassador September 15, Minister of Labor Raul Izurieta said the President would sign the oft delayed labor decree on subcontracting by September 17. On September 14, union leaders told PolOff they were worried the decree would not sufficiently limit su [...] |
2004-09-17 18:56:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB PGOV EC |
| 04QUITO2550 |
GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK WORKERS CONTINUE TO STRIKE [...] (U) Summary. On September 10, the Minister of the Environment (MOE) replaced the Galapagos National Park (GNP) Director. In protest, the employees of the GNP went on strike. The strike began peacefully and the strikers initially promised not to interrupt tourist operations if their demands [...] |
2004-09-20 23:06:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID EC ECON EFIS ETRD PGOV PREL SENV |
| 04QUITO2552 |
FEW U.S.-MANUFACTURED LAND MINES IN ECUADOR [...] In response to Reftel, Poloff September 20 contacted Guillermo Leal, chief of the OAS Humanitarian Demining (HD) mission in Ecuador. Leal noted the only U.S.-produced land mine found in Ecuador was the M18A1 Claymore device. The GoE had destroyed seven in-stock Claymores in 2001, Leal recal [...] |
2004-09-21 13:31:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | KHDP PREL PGOV EC PE |
| 04QUITO2571 |
ECUADOR COMMITED TO USG TIP RECOMMENDATIONS [...] PolOff delivered reftel talking points including elements of a USG-supported action plan to combat TIP, to Carlos Jativa, the Minister of Government Raul Baca's assistant, on September 16. In a follow-up meeting with PolOff on September 20, Baca and Jativa concurred with the Tier 2 Watch List [...] |
2004-09-22 16:01:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2578 |
ECUADORIAN ELECTIONS UPDATE [...] (U) Summary: With less than a month remaining before Ecuador's October 17 elections, there remain several items of concern which, left unresolved, could prejudice a clean and orderly vote. The Embassy will continue to work with electoral authorities to encourage resolution of these issues. [...] |
2004-09-23 17:38:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KDEM KCOR PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2588 |
MIXED VIEWS FROM INDIGENOUS ON FREE TRADE [...] Summary. Indigenous leaders are not all opposed to a Free Trade Agreement (FTA); however, there is mounting social opposition from some indigenous organizations and unions. Starting October 1, various social groups will try to obtain one million signatures to demand a referendum on whether th [...] |
2004-09-24 15:59:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ETRD EC |
| 04QUITO2592 |
BLUE LANTERN PROGRAM ANNUAL UPDATE [...] In response to Ref A, Post provides the following information on its Blue Lantern program: -- Principal Point of Contact: Political Officer Gregory Macris -- Telephone: 593-2-256-2890, ext 4409 -- Fax: 593-2-254-0712 -- Email: macrisgp@state.gov (unclass); macrisgp@state.sgov.gov [...] |
2004-09-24 15:59:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | KOMC KSEP ETTC EC |
| 04QUITO2594 |
ECUADOR ELECTIONS: QUITO/PICHINCHA RACES [...] (SBU) Summary: With 19% of the national vote, the electoral battle for Pichincha province, which includes the capital of Quito (itself 15% of the national vote), is a key test of the Democratic Left's (ID) strength. The Quito mayor race overshadows the Pichincha provincial prefect race in n [...] |
2004-09-24 18:28:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2595 |
TIP IN ECUADOR: TRAINING, RAIDS, AND THE ABA'S [...] (U) Summary. The International Labor Organization (ILO) and Ecuadorian police began their joint training series on September 23 to teach the police about commercial sexual exploitation of minors (CSEM). The police conducted 25 raids from September 3 to 8 and rescued 30 minors. The American [...] |
2004-09-24 19:15:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2598 |
ELECTIONS, NOT GOVERNANCE, DRIVING GUTIERREZ [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Lucio Gutierrez, consumed with improving his Patriotic Society Party's performance in Ecuador's October 17 local elections, is pressuring Cabinet officials to adopt populist, poorly conceived economic measures designed to garner votes. Should the PSP fare poorly in Oc [...] |
2004-09-24 19:45:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KDEM PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2599 |
NEW GALAPAGOS PARK DIRECTOR LITERALLY FIGHTS HIS [...] Summary. On September 22, a group of local fishermen, who have long been at odds with the park leadership over environmental regulations, stormed the office of the GNP headquarters in Santa Cruz and helped Fausto Cepeda, the newly appointed director, install himself as park director. The vio [...] |
2004-09-24 19:51:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID EC ECON EFIS ETRD PGOV PREL SENV |
| 04QUITO2602 |
ECUADOR SENDING ENGINEERS, TROOPS TO HAITI [...] The Government of Ecuador has directed that EC Army engineers and soldiers travel to Haiti to participate in UN-directed peacekeeping (PKO) operations and natural disaster (hurricane) relief. Embassy officials learned September 23 that the first Ecuadorian deployment will include 66 combat e [...] |
2004-09-24 20:16:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | MOPS MARR PREL SMIG EC HA UN |
| 04QUITO2608 |
ELECTORAL TRAINING EFFORT NOT WITHOUT HICCUPS [...] SUMMARY: A successful October 17 vote depends partly on the 275,000 Ecuadorians manning the polls election day. Training this army is a Herculean task falling to Ecuador's Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE); $400,000 in USG assistance, channeled through international electoral NGO CAPEL, bolste [...] |
2004-09-28 19:18:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | KDEM PGOV EC |
| 04QUITO2612 |
ELECTION NO THREAT TO FOL IN MANTA [...] (SBU) Summary: A pre-electoral visit to the city of Manta and Manabi provincial capital Portoviejo confirmed that the incumbent mayor of Manta, who has been largely supportive of the USG presence at the Forward Operating Location (FOL), is likely to be re-elected in local elections on October [...] |
2004-09-28 22:16:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2613 |
TIDE TURNING IN OXY'S FAVOR BUT A LONG WAY TO GO [...] (C) Summary. The efforts of Occidental Petroleum (Oxy) and the Mission are gathering momentum in blunting misperceptions raised by the Procurador's (solicitor general equivalent) allegations against Oxy. Business chambers, financial analysts and GOE officials are coming to understand what Ec [...] |
2004-09-28 23:05:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ETRD ECON PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2614 |
MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT ANNOUNCES INITIATIVE [...] Summary. The Minister of the Environment (MOE), Fabian Valdivieso, announced to the press on September 27 that Fausto Cepeda had been replaced as Galapagos National Park (GNP) Director by GNP employee Victor Carrion. The MOE will form a commission to oversee any future selections of the GNP [...] |
2004-09-28 23:35:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID EC ECON EFIS ETRD PGOV PREL SENV |
| 04QUITO2642 |
ECUADOR LABOR UPDATE [...] (U) Summary. Following are labor-related developments of interest: --MOL to Consult Unions on Subcontracting Decree (para. 2) --Rules Proposed for National Labor Council (3) --MOL Computers for Child Labor Inspectors (5) --National Campaign to Eliminate Child Labor in Trash Sector (8) -- [...] |
2004-09-30 20:38:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB PGOV EC |
| 04QUITO2651 |
59TH UNGA: ECUADOR SUPPORTIVE ON FIRST COMMITTEE [...] (SBU) We provided talking points and text of U.S. draft UNFC improvement resolution to Amb. Julio Prado, MFA U/S for Multilateral Affairs on September 29. On September 30, Prado told PolCouns that the GoE is eager to participate in dialogue through our respective UN missions in New York on t [...] |
2004-10-01 16:30:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AORC PARM PREL |
| 04QUITO2655 |
ECUADORIAN VFM ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND ALADI [...] (SBU) Summary: Perhaps to signal his willingness to act as a U.S. ally in his new position on the UN Human Rights Commission, FM Edwin Johnson expressed concern to DCM about Venezuelan and Cuban diplomatic activities in Ecuador and the politicization of the Latin American Integration Associati [...] |
2004-10-01 19:22:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM AORC PREL PGOV EC |
| 04QUITO2680 |
ECUADORIAN ELECTIONS UPDATE #2 [...] (SBU) Summary: This cable provides an update of developments related to the upcoming October 17 provincial and local elections. Most procedural issues are moving toward resolution, the OAS has confirmed an electoral observation mission which Embassy volunteers will participate in, and the S [...] |
2004-10-05 15:55:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KDEM KCOR PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2690 |
PRESIDENT SIGNS SUBCONTRACTING DECREE [...] Minister of Labor Raul Izurieta informed LabOff on October 5 that the President had signed the long-promised subcontracting decree (Executive Decree #2166) late on October 4. The decree will be published in the official register next week, he said. After the decree is published, the GoE wil [...] |
2004-10-05 21:43:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB PGOV EC |
| 04QUITO2702 |
MAYOR'S RACE A TOSS-UP IN ECUADOR'S THIRD CITY [...] Summary. The Cuenca mayoral race is too close to call between two strong candidates, Fernando Cordero (New City-Pachakutik alliance), the incumbent, and Marcelo Cabrera (Democratic Left), recently the provincial prefect of Azuay. Meanwhile, Xavier Munoz, of Popular Democracy is the clear fro [...] |
2004-10-06 21:01:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2704 |
ECUADOR TRYING TO STABILIZE GALAPAGOS PARK [...] Summary. The Minister of the Environment, Fabian Valdivieso, is attempting to change the process for selecting directors of the Galapagos National Park (GNP), hoping that an independent procedure will purge politics from this position and stabilize park management. The Minister proposes hiri [...] |
2004-10-07 13:34:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID EC ECON EFIS ETRD PGOV PREL SENV |
| 04QUITO2723 |
ELECTIONS IN ECUADOR: THE ROLE OF THE MILITARY [...] This cable is an update of Ref B, transmitted in September 2002, just prior to Ecuador's most recent national elections. 2. SUMMARY: Although soldiers, sailors and airmen (and police) cannot vote, the military nonetheless will play a prominent part in Ecuador's October 17 local elections [...] |
2004-10-08 21:07:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | KDEM MOPS PGOV PHUM EC |
| 04QUITO2724 |
EMBASSY ANALYSIS OF SUBCONTRACTING DECREE [...] Summary: President Gutierrez signed Executive Decree 2166 regulating subcontracting (Reftel) on October 5, which will be published in the Official Register on October 12. While several articles in the decree differ from the version Minister of Labor Raul Izurieta originally gave us, we belie [...] |
2004-10-08 21:20:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB PGOV EC |
| 04QUITO2739 |
POLITICAL LANDSCAPE CHANGING IN ESMERALDAS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: A pre-election visit to Esmeraldas province suggests that incumbent Esmeraldas Mayor Ernesto Estupinan's rise in political popularity has triggered initial changes to the political landscape in this coastal border region. Estupinan, a member of the leftist Popular Democratic M [...] |
2004-10-13 17:04:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2740 |
HOW FREE IS THE PRESS IN ECUADOR? [...] Summary. Continuing a longstanding battle with the press (Reftel), President Gutirrez recently called for a judicial investigation of a prominent radio director for possible seditious remarks in suggesting the president had received campaign contributions from Colombia's FARC in the 2000 pre [...] |
2004-10-13 17:46:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV ECON EC |
| 04QUITO2759 |
FINAL ECUADORIAN ELECTIONS UPDATE [...] (U) Summary: This cable provides information about the upcoming October 17 provincial/local elections, their significance, a summary of Embassy involvement in the OAS electoral observation mission, information on how to reach us on election day, suggested press guidance, and a synopsis of re [...] |
2004-10-14 20:51:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KDEM KCOR PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2761 |
MFA OFFERS VOTE SWAP ON U.S. ICTY NOMINEE [...] In response to Reftel, the Embassy October 12 delivered to the Ecuadorian foreign ministry a non-paper and CV in support of Judge Theodor Meron, the USG's candidate for re-election to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. In a follow-up meeting October 14, Luis Arella [...] |
2004-10-15 12:41:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | KJUS PHUM EC |
| 04QUITO2762 |
ECUADOR TO SUPPORT CUBAN UNGA RESOLUTION [...] (U) In response to Reftel, the Embassy October 7 delivered pro-embargo, anti-resolution talking points to the Ecuadorian foreign ministry. In a follow-up meeting October 14 with MFA Director General for Multilateral Policy Miguel Mendes, Poloff emphasized three points: the U.S. embargo was [...] |
2004-10-15 14:42:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL ETRD EC |
| 04QUITO2769 |
EMBASSY VIEWS ON GOE LABOR DECREE [...] (SBU) Summary: The publication on October 14 of the presidential decree on subcontracting is an important if not ideal step forward that comes at some political cost to President Gutierrez and Labor Minister Raul Izurieta. Ecuadorian and U.S. private sector interests are already attacking th [...] |
2004-10-18 15:10:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB PGOV EC |
| 04QUITO2771 |
PRELIMINARY ECUADORIAN ELECTION RESULTS, [...] (SBU) Summary: Ecuadorian voters went to the polls to elect provincial and municipal officials on October 17 in elections the OAS characterized publicly as "free and transparent." Some irregularities were reported but in most polling places voting proceeded relatively smoothly. Preliminary [...] |
2004-10-18 19:34:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KDEM KCOR PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2773 |
ECUADOR TIP UPDATE [...] Summary. Ecuadorian police conducted nearly 50 raids September 16 - 30 and found 55 minors suspected as victims of trafficking in persons (TIP). USAID signed a $300,000 agreement with Geneva Global to begin a small grants program aimed at prevention, prosecution and protection of TIP. Press [...] |
2004-10-18 21:10:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2810 |
RETURN TO NORMALCY: PRESIDENT SURVIVES ANOTHER DAY [...] (C) Minutes after local elections concluded on October 17, Ecuador's opposition returned to its game of political "chicken," calling for the impeachment of President Gutierrez for illegal use of public funds for campaign purposes. The judiciary, for its part, issued what some charaterize as a [...] |
2004-10-22 12:04:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2861 |
ECUADOR'S TIP LEGISLATION AND CONFERENCE [...] (U) Summary. Ecuador took additional steps forward in combating Trafficking in Persons (TIP) over the past week. Congress debated the draft of anti-TIP legislation that criminalizes TIP, sexual tourism, child pornography, and child prostitution. On October 22, the MFA and United Nations co-s [...] |
2004-10-27 13:48:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2868 |
GUTIERREZ CANCELS NEW YORK TRIP [...] Summary. On October 27, President Gutierrez told the Ambassador he had canceled his planned early November trip to New York in order to work in Ecuador on judicial reform projects and programs to spur economic growth. Gutierrez hopes the press will portray his decision as a need to focus on [...] |
2004-10-27 22:11:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2869 |
"POWER-BLINDED" LFC DRIVES IMPEACHMENT PUSH [...] (C) SUMMARY: Leon Febres-Cordero (LFC), the cantankerous leader of Ecuador's Social Christian Party (PSC), is determined to destroy President Lucio Gutierrez by any means possible, according to two thoughtful PSC legislators. Brothers Luis Fernando Torres and Carlos Torres, the former the he [...] |
2004-10-27 23:09:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KDEM KCOR PREL EC |
| 04QUITO2879 |
UNCLAS QUITO 002879 [...] No summary [...] |
2004-10-29 20:45:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | NOTAG |
| 04QUITO2886 |
EMBASSY PUSHING STABILITY MESSAGE HARD [...] SUMMARY: Reftels outline the current political quicksand enveloping GoE President Lucio Gutierrez. Believing further instability runs counter to Ecuadorian and U.S. interests, the Embassy is immersed in an outreach campaign to bolster rank-and-file support for constitutional democracy and th [...] |
2004-10-29 21:32:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL KDEM EC |
| 04QUITO2891 |
ECUADORIAN, CHILEAN FM'S TALK BORDERS, TRADE [...] Summary. Chilean Foreign Minister Ignacio Walker met with Ecuadorian officials in Quito on October 28. In a subsequent joint declaration, the countries committed to begin FTA negotiations in 2004, respect existing international treaties (in reference to Chile's maritime disagreements with P [...] |
2004-10-29 22:16:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV ECON ETRD EC CH |
| 04QUITO2922 |
MOL CONSIDERS LABOR REFORM; UNIONS URGE RESIGNATION [...] (SBU) Summary: Meeting in Guayaquil with USTR and Department of State officials, two key Ecuadorian labor leaders stated they will challenge the recently published executive decree on subcontracting as unconstitutional, and also repeated a call for Minister of Labor Raul Izurieta's removal f [...] |
2004-11-05 17:39:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB PGOV EC |
| 04QUITO2923 |
ECUADOR BANS EXPORT OF SHARK FINS [...] Summary. President Gutierrez has issued a decree banning the export of shark fins. The ban applies to all shark fins, whether they are intentionally harvested or are the result of bi-catch. Despite having been consulted prior to the decree's issuance, a local fishing group is asking Preside [...] |
2004-11-05 17:51:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID EC ECON EFIS ETRD PGOV PREL SENV |
| 04QUITO2927 |
CONGRATULATORY LETTER FROM PRESIDENT GUTIERREZ TO [...] Embassy received a congratulatory letter from President Gutierrez to President Bush dated November 2 on November 4 under a cover letter from acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Edwin Johnson. 2. Text of Letter from President Gutierrez: Your excellency: On behalf of the Ecuadorian peop [...] |
2004-11-05 19:43:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV OPDC EC |
| 04QUITO2929 |
PRESIDENT GUTIERREZ CONFIDENT IN FACE OF [...] (C) Summary: The GoE reacted calmly to the initiation of impeachment proceedings against President Gutierrez by Congress on November 4. The Ambassador spoke with President Gutierrez by telephone on November 4 and on the margins of an unrelated event on November 5. Gutierrez thanked the USG [...] |
2004-11-05 21:15:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL MARR EC |
| 04QUITO2941 |
MINISTER OF FINANCE CONFIDENT OF STABILITY [...] (C) Summary: Minister of Finance Yepez believes the Gutierrez regime can make it through the current crisis, but remains handicapped by bad advisors at the top. The GOE is maintaining its responsible fiscal policy and continues to work on plans to eliminate the gas subsidy. End Summary. [...] |
2004-11-08 22:14:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN ECON PGOV EC |
| 04QUITO2943 |
TEXTILES AND APPAREL EMPLOYMENT AND PRODUCTION IN [...] Summary. Reftel requests information on the textile and apparel sectors in Ecuador. Statistical information, particularly with respect to employment information, is highly unreliable in Ecuador. In general, textile production increases appear to have outpaced overall industrial production [...] |
2004-11-09 20:51:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | KTEX ECON ETRD EC |
| 04QUITO2955 |
OPPOSITION FALLS SHORT ON FIRST IMPEACHMENT VOTE; [...] (C) Summary: The pro-impeachment opposition on November 9 tried and twice failed to create a special Congressional committee to consider impeachment grounds against President Lucio Gutierrez, effectively stymieing impeachment efforts at an early stage. The opposition came up short of taking [...] |
2004-11-10 22:03:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL MARR EC |
| 04QUITO2980 |
TIER 2 WATCH LIST INTERIM ASSESSMENT [...] Summary. Ecuador has taken significant steps since June to combat trafficking in persons (TIP). The government increased public awareness of the problem, reached out to source and destination countries, and established a national plan. The GOE has cooperated with the International Labor Or [...] |
2004-11-12 19:07:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO3027 |
GOVERNMENT MINISTER POLITICAL LIGHTING ROD, [...] (C) Summary: Government Minister Jaime Damerval has courted controversy since taking office on November 8, recently suggesting that the GoE convoke a referendum on whether to dissolve Congress to promote constitutional reforms. In a private meeting with the DCM on November 15, Damerval back [...] |
2004-11-17 21:51:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KCRM PINR EC |
| 04QUITO3028 |
RENEWING THE ARTICLE 98 PUSH [...] (C) SUMMARY: Article 98 negotiations in Ecuador have stagnated of late. Two factors are to blame: continued push-back from the Embassy's prime interlocutors, the Foreign Ministry and Congress, and the Gutierrez government's focus on self-preservation in the face of impeachment proceedings. [...] |
2004-11-17 21:51:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MOPS PREL EC KICC |
| 04QUITO3053 |
PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES SEEK USG HELP ON GOE [...] See action request paragraph 7. 2. Summary. Econ and FCS met November 19 with representatives from Bristol Meyers and Pfizer. The pharmaceutical representatives complained that the GOE is trying to exert further control over drug prices and company profits. This latest initiative by the [...] |
2004-11-22 18:04:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD KIPR EFIN EC |
| 04QUITO3081 |
GOE PRESSES ITS LUCK -- NEXT STEPS ON STABILITY [...] (C) Summary: A concerted USG effort to promote political stability contributed to the lessening of political tension over impeachment, and will continue to be important in the aftermath. Although the situation has calmed somewhat since the failure of an opposition initiative to impeach Presi [...] |
2004-11-24 20:32:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL MARR EC |
| 04QUITO3099 |
NOVEMBER TIP UPDATE [...] Summary: This cable reports significant anti-TIP developments since our interim TIP report (Ref A). USAID and Geneva Global will mount six new projects to combat TIP (Trafficking in Persons) by the end of the year. We recently met with two organizations who provide services to children and [...] |
2004-11-26 14:32:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO3102 |
FOX VISIT PROMOTES TRADE, INVESTMENT, & [...] Summary: In a brief visit to Quito on November 22-23, Mexican President Vicente Fox sought increased bilateral investment and trade. Presidents Fox and Gutierrez discussed issues of bilateral interest, including commitments to facilitate visa issuance, negotiate an extradition treaty, impro [...] |
2004-11-26 20:12:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO3103 |
ARTICLE 98 BACK IN HEADLINES, POST PRESSES CASE [...] (C) SUMMARY: Recent public comments from high-level USG visitors and the Ambassador have put Article 98 back in play in Ecuador. Major newspapers and radio/TV outlets have highlighted our efforts, as well as GoE Foreign Minister Patricio Zuquilanda's November 23 claim that the MFA continues [...] |
2004-11-26 20:24:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | MASS PREL PGOV EC KICC |
| 04QUITO3108 |
PRO-GOVT CONGRESSIONAL MAJORITY FLEXES MUSCLES [...] Summary: In a marathon session November 25, the new, pro-government legislative majority bypassed President of Congress Guillermo Landazuri's programmed agenda and elected Jorge Montero second vice president. It then replaced the members of the Constitutional Tribunal (TC) and the Supreme E [...] |
2004-11-26 22:11:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO3115 |
DONORS LOSING PATIENCE WITH MANAGEMENT OF GALAPAGOS [...] Summary. Ecuador continues to take two steps backward for each step forward in the Galapagos. President Gutierrez signed a decree in October banning the export of shark fins from Ecuador (Reftel A), to promote conservation. The Minister of the Environment, Fabian Valdivieso, however, repla [...] |
2004-11-30 13:35:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID EC ECON EFIS ETRD PGOV PREL SENV |
| 04QUITO3132 |
INFORMATION FOR MEANINGFUL LABOR RIGHTS REPORT [...] Summary: This cable provides information on labor conditions in Ecuador as requested for the Meaningful Labor Rights Report, and is keyed to questions included in RefTel. End Summary. Administration of Labor Law --------------------------- 2. The Ministry of Labor and Human Resources [...] |
2004-12-01 14:57:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB PGOV EC |
| 04QUITO3146 |
CONGRESS GOES ON HOLIDAY, BUT REST UNLIKELY [...] (C) Summary: Congress ended its stormy fall calendar on December 2, releasing its combative politicians until January 4. Political leaders are likely to stay busy during holiday season, as all parties regroup for the battle over Congressional leadership and control of the Supreme Court set [...] |
2004-12-02 22:14:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO3147 |
ECUADOR ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT SOUTH AMERICAN [...] (SBU) On December 2, President Gutierrez discussed with the Ambassador his upcoming trip to Peru. He will participate there in a meeting of Andean presidents and later join South American leaders in signing a declaration to move toward the creation of a Community of South American Nations. [...] |
2004-12-03 15:20:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PREL EC |
| 04QUITO3151 |
CAREER DIP TO HEAD ECUADOR'S WASHINGTON EMBASSY [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Lucio Gutierrez told the Ambassador on December 2 that he would nominate MFA Bilateral U/S Roberto Betancourt to head Ecuador's embassy in Washington. The career diplomat will replace political appointee Ambassador Raul Gangotena, who submitted his resignation Novembe [...] |
2004-12-03 20:53:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO3153 |
ECUADOR LABOR UPDATE [...] (U) Summary: Following are recent labor-related developments of interest: --Changes at the MOL (para. 2) --MOL Izurieta Meets With Congress' Paez (3) --Chamber of Commerce Challenges Subcontracting Decree (5) --Hunger Strike by Public Sector Workers (6) --Penitentiary and Health Worker St [...] |
2004-12-03 23:10:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB PGOV EC |
| 04QUITO3167 |
PRESIDENT GUTIERREZ CALLS CONGRESS BACK TO DEBATE [...] (SBU) On December 5, in a surprise exercise of constitutional privilege, President Gutierrez canceled his planned trip to Peru and called Congress back from recess into extraordinary session on December 8. In so doing he requested that they consider three issues: 1) the censure of recently [...] |
2004-12-07 23:01:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO3168 |
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECUADORIAN [...] (S) President Gutierrez' call for a special Congressional session, while controversial, is unlikely to directly threaten political stability. Nevertheless, this event bears watching, given the proven potential for Congressional conflicts to lead to unforeseen consequences on stability in thi [...] |
2004-12-07 23:05:00 | Embassy Quito | SECRET | PGOV PREL MARR EC |
| 04QUITO3192 |
CUBA: NSC-DIRECTED COUNTRY-BY-COUNTRY REVIEW [...] After checking with the MFA, we have been unable to confirm any recent Ecuadorian government actions to advance democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms in Cuba. Ecuador abstained from the UNHRC Cuban human rights resolution in 2004. Further information on this subject may be availa [...] |
2004-12-09 22:31:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ETTC PREL EC |
| 04QUITO3202 |
ECUADOR PREPARING TO MOVE FORWARD ON CIVIL [...] Summary. Ecuador's Congress is preparing for the second debate on proposed civil aviation legislation sometime in January. A legal advisor to the committee in which the draft legislation is pending says a vote on the floor of the Congress is likely sometime in February. The passage of this [...] |
2004-12-10 17:15:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | EAIR PGOV EC |
| 04QUITO3256 |
ARTICLE 98: GOE AWARE OF NETHERCUTT-BACKS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Word of the Nethercutt Amendment, which mandates reductions in Economic Support Funds (ESF) available to non-Article 98 signers, has reached GoE leaders, and they are worried. In a pull-aside at a diplomatic reception recently, the foreign minister requested clarification and i [...] |
2004-12-17 22:25:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MASS MARR PGOV EC KICC |
| 04QUITO3257 |
DECEMBER TIP UPDATE [...] Summary. Ecuadorian police conducted 130 raids from November 12 to December 9 and found 28 minors who may be trafficking victims. The congressional committee reviewed the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) bill, and it has been amended and is ready for Congress' second reading. Several embassies [...] |
2004-12-17 22:28:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV PREL EC |
| 04QUITO3260 |
ECUADOR SPLIT ON SUPPORT OF FREE TRADE AGREEMENT [...] Summary. A public opinion poll sponsored by USAID shows that about half of the Ecuadorian public has heard about the FTA and about half of the public (both informed and uninformed) supports it. Not surprisingly, solid majorities believe that the FTA will benefit the U.S. far more than Ecuado [...] |
2004-12-20 20:52:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | BEXP ECIN ECON ETRD PGOV PREL EC FTA |
| 04QUITO3262 |
MOL UNDERSTANDS NEED FOR LABOR CODE REFORM [...] (SBU) Summary: While Minister of Labor Izurieta understands the need for labor code reform, he is not focused on freedom of association issues. The Embassy has made it clear to Izurieta that the U.S. Congress is less likely to pass a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) including Ecuador unless the l [...] |
2004-12-20 22:07:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB PGOV ETRD EC |
| 04QUITO3280 |
CONTACT INFO FOR GOE OFFICIALS [...] In response to Reftel, Post provides the following contact information for Government of Ecuador leadership: HEAD OF GOVERNMENT/STATE LAST NAME: GUTIERREZ FIRST NAME: LUCIO TITLE: PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OFFICE PH:(593-2) 2580833 / 2588888 CELL: (593)94-236187 COMMENTS: GUT [...] |
2004-12-22 20:24:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PINR PREL EC |
| 04QUITO3289 |
ECUADOR 2005 NATIONAL TRADE ESTIMATE REPORT [...] Below is Embassy Quito's submission for the 2005 National Trade Estimate Report. A copy of the report has been provided to USTR Bennett Harman via email. The report was a collaborative effort between State, the Commercial Service and the Foreign Agricultural Service. TRADE SUMMARY ---- [...] |
2004-12-23 19:53:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECON EFIN EC |
| 04QUITO3302 |
EX-FINMIN MAY REPLACE CAREER DIP AS AMB-DESIGNATE [...] (C) SUMMARY: GoE President Lucio Gutierrez is reconsidering his earlier designation of career diplomat Roberto Betancourt to head Ecuador's embassy in Washington (Reftel). According to separate Embassy Quito sources, former Minister of Finance Mauricio Pozo now appears the preferred candida [...] |
2004-12-28 15:46:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EC |
| 04QUITO3303 |
REFUGEE REPORT HIGHLIGHTS NEW TRENDS [...] Summary: A recent study by a Quito human rights organization, the Center for Documentation of Human Rights Segundo Montes Mozo (CSMM), highlights strengths and deficiencies in the GoE's and civil society responses to the issue of Colombian refugees. The study says that while Ecuador has goo [...] |
2004-12-28 19:20:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PREF EC |
| 04QUITO3304 |
INDIGENOUS ORGANIZATION ELECTS NEW HEAD [...] Summary: The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) on December 23 elected Luis Macas president of the organization, a post he previously held twice. Macas, a former Minister of Agriculture and an ethnic Saraguro indian from the south of the country, will lead the org [...] |
2004-12-28 19:22:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1000 |
EMBASSY RECOMMENDS 3C FINDINGS FOR ISAIAS BROTHERS [...] (C) SUMMARY: William and Roberto Isaias, former chiefs of Filanbanco bank and among Ecuador's richest men, fled Ecuador in 1999 after absconding with over $100 million in government bailout funds. They used their ill-gotten wealth to buy safe passage from Ecuador and later pressured prosecu [...] |
2005-05-02 23:21:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV CVIS EFIN KCOR EC |
| 05QUITO1005 |
MAY LABOR UPDATE [...] Summary: Following are recent labor-related developments of interest: --Unions Make Demands to New Government (para. 2) --New Minister of Labor Still Not Named (4) --Presidential Decree to Remove Bureaucrats (5) --New Unions Registering Independently (6) --Judicial and Medical Workers End [...] |
2005-05-03 20:25:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO1018 |
EMBASSY 90-DAY GOALS, CHALLENGES UNDER PALACIO GOVT [...] (C) SUMMARY: In word if not always in deed, Ecuador's Lucio Gutierrez administration qualified as pro-American. President Alfredo Palacio's most definitely does not. Brought to power by street mobs ("forajidos") clamoring for change, Palacio's closest advisor and Cabinet stalwart is gringo-b [...] |
2005-05-04 21:31:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV MARR KDEM SNAR PTER ECON ASEC EC CO |
| 05QUITO1021 |
NEW POLICE CHIEF A US ALLY [...] (C) Summary: New National Police Chief Jose Antonio Vinueza told the Ambassador his priorities would be to restructure the police force, combat narco-trafficking, and restore the police's reputation. Vinueza vowed to continue to be a strong US ally. He said relations with the military were [...] |
2005-05-04 22:03:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1024 |
ECUADORIAN JOINT CHIEF VOWS CONTINUED U.S. [...] (C) SUMMARY: Positive atmospherics surrounded the Ambassador's initial call on new Ecuadorian Joint Forces Commander Admiral Manuel Zapater, the admiral recalling fondly their years-earlier meetings in Guayaquil. Zapater promised continued Ecuadorian security collaboration with the United S [...] |
2005-05-04 22:55:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MASS PREL SNAR PTER EC CO |
| 05QUITO1047 |
NEW TRADE MINISTER SOUNDS REASONABLE [...] (SBU) Summary: In separate meetings with the Ambassador and AID, Ecuador's new Minister for Trade Oswaldo Molestina said he wanted an FTA with the USG, but was most concerned about the agricultural negotiations. He said that he intended to keep lead FTA negotiator Cristian Espinosa on board, [...] |
2005-05-06 19:49:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | ETRD PGOV EINV ECON PINR EC |
| 05QUITO1048 |
ECUADOR'S ABRUPT CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT: EMBASSY [...] (SBU) Summary: The abrupt overthrow of the Gutierrez government on April 20 was not unprecedented here, but tested the Embassy's capacity to respond quickly to a crisis. In this after action report we examine the lessons we learned from this experience, hoping that it will be useful for us an [...] |
2005-05-06 20:36:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL SNAR ASEC PGOV AMGT EC CONS |
| 05QUITO1050 |
ECUADOR: NEW VICE PRESIDENT ROUNDS OUT CABINET [...] (U) Summary: Congress swore in Alejandro Serrano Aguilar as Vice President of Ecuador on May 5. Serrano hails from Ecuador's third largest city of Cuenca, providing some regional balance to a Guayaquil-centric cabinet. Serrano's swearing in leaves only the Labor portfolio still open; labor [...] |
2005-05-06 21:18:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR EC |
| 05QUITO1051 |
ECUADOR TENTATIVELY SUPPORTS USG ON OAS WORKING [...] On May 5, PolOff relayed talking points to MFA Human Rights Officer Carmen Larrea emphasizing the reasons a new convention would weaken existing international accords. On May 6, Larrea told PolOff the USG's reasoning made sense and that she tentatively agreed with our position. However, she [...] |
2005-05-06 21:28:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM AORC EC USOAS |
| 05QUITO1054 |
MINISTER OF FINANCE ON FISCAL POLICY: AMBASSADOR'S [...] (C) Summary: In his first meeting with the Ambassador, Ecuador's new Minister of Economy and Finance Rafael Correa made clear that he intends to implement a policy far removed from the responsible fiscal management of his two most-recent predecessors. Correa said he expects the IFIs to back [...] |
2005-05-06 21:57:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN ECON EC |
| 05QUITO1058 |
ECUADOR: CONGRESS STRUGGLING TO REPAIR IMAGE [...] (U) Summary: The Ecuadorian Congress' already low credibility was rocked by an inopportune sex scandal involving sordid events in a Lima hotel room. Five Ecuadorian deputies, in Lima to attend the round of free trade agreement negotiations, allegedly caused thousands of dollars of damage to [...] |
2005-05-10 19:38:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1060 |
MFA LEERY OF CEDING JURISDICTION OVER SMUGGLING [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a May 10 call on Acting Foreign Minister Marcelo Fernandez, the Charge requested the GoE waive jurisdiction over the F/V Simon Bolivar, an Ecuador-flagged fishing vessel interdicted May 8 while smuggling four tons of cocaine. In his demarche, the Charge revealed the Bolivar [...] |
2005-05-11 22:00:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MARR MASS MOPS SNAR PTER EC CO |
| 05QUITO1096 |
GOE REPLACES FTA NEGOTIATION TEAM [...] (U) Summary. President Palacio issued an Executive Decree May 12 making wholesale changes to the GOE FTA negotiation team. Trade Minister Oswaldo Molestina has been named lead negotiator, though former lead negotiator Cristian Espinosa has been kept on as Under Secretary for Foreign Trade and [...] |
2005-05-12 21:18:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD PGOV EINV PREL ECON EC |
| 05QUITO1097 |
ECUADOR: BIOS: NEW MINISTER OF LABOR IS UNION [...] (SBU) Summary: The President swore in Galo Chiriboga Zambrano as Minister of Labor on May 11, completing his Cabinet. Chiriboga, who was pushed by union leaders, took office pledging to strengthen worker rights and fight child labor, while also increasing competitiveness. Chiriboga's appoi [...] |
2005-05-12 21:43:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR ELAB EC |
| 05QUITO1098 |
MFA REFUSES TO CEDE JURISDICTION OVER SMUGGLERS [...] Via diplomatic note, the Foreign Ministry denied the USG's request to cede jurisdiction over the captain, crew, and cargo of the F/V Simon Bolivar, an Ecuador-flagged fishing vessel interdicted May 8 while carrying four tons of cocaine. Invoking Articles 4 and 17 of the 1988 UN Convention Ag [...] |
2005-05-12 22:14:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL MARR MASS MOPS SNAR PTER EC |
| 05QUITO1100 |
ECUADOR: DEMOCRATIC DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE? [...] (C) Summary: The political scene is coming alive with voices, new and old, providing different prescriptions for Ecuador's democratic ills. Congress on May 11 ejected four more of its members, tossing due process to the wind in the face of threatened protests on May 12. As the first test of [...] |
2005-05-13 13:54:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR EC |
| 05QUITO1159 |
PALACIO PROPOSES HUGE INVESTMENT IN SCIENTIFIC [...] Summary. In a conversation with the director of Ecuador,s national scientific research institution (SENACYT, or Secretaria Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia), we learned that the Palacio administration has proposed a $40 million infusion for scientific research. The director, while pleased, w [...] |
2005-05-17 22:06:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EAGR ETRD KSCA PGOV TPHY EC |
| 05QUITO1160 |
REQUEST FOR DOS REVIEW OF POST-VETTED MEMBERS OF [...] The Embassy has developed plans to train Ecuadorian sergeant majors at an EC facility in Machachi, Ecuador. Half of the participants were vetted in March, in order to take part in other USG-sponsored training. Bio information for the remainder follow: NAME AND DPOB: MENDOZA PONCE, JERM [...] |
2005-05-17 22:19:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PREL EC KICC |
| 05QUITO1169 |
GOVERNMENT CHANGE FURTHER HINDERS ARTICLE 98 [...] (C) SUMMARY: With the rise to power of President Alfredo Palacio, Article 98's chances in Ecuador sunk from bad to worse. Palacio's right-hand man, Minister of Government Mauricio Gandara, laid down an early marker, claiming there would be "no immunity for U.S. soldiers" during this governm [...] |
2005-05-18 23:02:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MASS MARR SNAR PTER EC CO KICC |
| 05QUITO1177 |
ECUADOR: FM AND MINDEF MEETINGS [...] (C) Summary: The Ambassador met separately with FM Parra and MinDef Espinosa on May 19. Parra expressed hope for the strongest possible relations with the U.S., and pledged MFA support for successful FTA negotiations. He expressed GOE discomfort with language in the draft OAS resolution, sa [...] |
2005-05-19 23:05:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL MARR MASS PINR SNAR EC |
| 05QUITO1181 |
ECUADORIAN FISCAL POLICY: LIVING ON THE EDGE [...] (C) Summary: Minister of Economy and Finance Rafael Correa inherited a relatively responsibly-managed fiscal situation from his predecessors. If he continues their policies, he should be able to meet his budget without great difficulty. However, his early statements to the press have damage [...] |
2005-05-20 18:06:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN ECON EC |
| 05QUITO1186 |
SUPREME COURT REFORM CLEARS CONGRESS [...] Summary: On May 18, Congress approved most of the President's partial veto to the reform governing the make-up of the Supreme Court, overriding only the provision which would have reduced the number of judges. Despite lingering differences, Congressional approval clears the court reform to [...] |
2005-05-23 15:33:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1190 |
ECUADOR: DEMOCRATIC ACTION PLANNING [...] (SBU) Summary: With democratic stability set back by repeated irregular changes of government, the mission has begun a process to take stock of our democracy-support efforts and chart new directions. That action planning process will culminate, we hope, in a clear analysis of the challenge [...] |
2005-05-23 17:13:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KDEM PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1191 |
WELCOME TO ECUADOR, CODEL SHAW [...] The U.S. Mission in Ecuador extends a warm welcome to the Honorable E. Clay Shaw, Nancy L. Johnson, John M. Spratt, Sam Johnson, Bill Archer, Ed Pastor and spouses. You are coming to one of the most environmentally diverse and spectacular countries on Earth. You will experience the diversity [...] |
2005-05-23 17:36:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON SENV EC |
| 05QUITO120 |
DEMINING: POLITICAL PROBLEMS THREATEN OPERATIONAL [...] SUMMARY: Humanitarian demining (HD) continues apace in Ecuador, although political difficulties - both bilateral and multilateral - threaten future effectiveness. 2004 successes include the conclusion of mine clearance operations in El Oro, near-completion in Loja, and termination of mine im [...] |
2005-01-19 20:04:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | KHDP PHUM MASS MOPS MARR EC PE |
| 05QUITO1202 |
GOE REQUESTS AGREMENT [...] (SBU) On May 24, the Embassy received diplomatic note no. 21177-GM/2005 (faxed to WHA/AND), signed by FM Antonio Parra Gil, requesting USG consent and agrement for Dr. Alvaro Perez Intriago as Ecuador's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States. 2. (SBU) The note i [...] |
2005-05-24 20:58:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PINR EC |
| 05QUITO1203 |
NEW MOL AN ALLY ON LABOR RIGHTS [...] Summary: New Minister of Labor Galo Chiriboga is concerned about labor rights in Ecuador and hopes to improve unions' image, increase dialogue between business and union representatives, and enforce ILO commitments. Chiriboga will travel to Geneva for the meetings of the ILO Governing Body [...] |
2005-05-24 21:31:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO121 |
ECUADOR UNDECIDED ON OAS SYG, SUPPORTS [...] (C) In response to Reftel regarding U.S. support for Francisco Flores's OAS secretary general (OAS SYG) candidacy, Charge January 19 called on Roberto Betancourt, the Ecuadorian MFA's third-ranking official and ambassador-designate to the United States (FM Patricio Zuquilanda was unavailable [...] |
2005-01-19 20:09:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL AORC EC OAS |
| 05QUITO1214 |
PALACIO OUTLINES PLAN FOR HIS REMAINING EIGHTEEN [...] Summary: In public comments on May 24, President Alfredo Palacio fleshed out his government's plan for its remaining 18 months, focusing on six points: politics, the economy, foreign policy, infrastructure, health and education, and security. The President set a timeframe of three to six m [...] |
2005-05-26 16:53:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL ECON ETRD EC |
| 05QUITO1218 |
ENERGY MINISTER ON HIS WAY OUT? [...] (SBU) Elder statesman and self-professed man of integrity, Energy Minister Fausto Cordovez may not be long in his job. Two weeks ago, he reportedly tendered his resignation to President Palacio when Palacio insisted on appointing Palacio confidant Robert Pinzon as the new president of state-run [...] |
2005-05-26 20:45:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EPET ENRG PGOV ECON EINV ETRD EC |
| 05QUITO1220 |
ECUADOR: ILO BUDGET DEMARCHE DELIVERED [...] LabOff conveyed reftel talking points urging support for fiscal restraint on the ILO's proposed budget for 2006-2007 to Minister of Labor Galo Chiriboga on May 23. Chiriboga, who will be traveling to Geneva for the ILO's International Labor Conference on May 27, said he agreed that the propos [...] |
2005-05-26 21:52:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC ELAB EC ILO |
| 05QUITO1222 |
ECUADOR: DEMARCHE ON CUBAN ILO CANDIDACY DELIVERED [...] LabOff conveyed reftel talking points on Cuban candidacy for the ILO Governing Body to Dr. Solimar Herrera, International Affairs Coordinator at the Ministry of Labor, on May 26. Dr. Herrera promised to review our points on supporting the candidacy of Barbados, and will travel to Geneva on M [...] |
2005-05-26 21:53:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM CU ELAB PREL EC ILO |
| 05QUITO1243 |
ILO'S INTERNATIONAL LABOR CONFERENCE [...] (U) LabOff delivered reftel points to MFA Director of Multilateral Affairs and International Organizations Benjamin Villacis, and to Veronica Mora and Fernando Altamirano of the same office. Altamirano said that demarche points on the ILO proposed budget had already been delivered to Ecuador' [...] |
2005-05-31 21:51:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC ELAB PHUM PREL BB CU EC ILO |
| 05QUITO1244 |
OASGA: FM TO HEAD ECUADOR'S DELEGATION [...] (C) MFA Director of Multilateral Affairs and International Organizations Benjamin Villacis told PolOff on May 31 that Ecuador had not yet decided which candidate Ecuador would support for Deputy Secretary General at the OAS General Assembly in Fort Lauderdale (June 5-7). He said the MFA had [...] |
2005-05-31 21:55:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | AORC PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1255 |
CONGRESS BACK IN MAJORITY'S HANDS [...] (SBU) Summary: With the reorganization of the legislative commissions on May 26, the current majority coalition, made up of the Social Christian Party (PSC), the Democratic Left (ID), and Pachakutik (PK), consolidated its control of Congress. Deputies from these three parties now hold the c [...] |
2005-06-01 19:13:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1256 |
PRESIDENT PALACIO SENDING MIXED SIGNALS [...] (C) Summary: In a meeting which failed to inspire great confidence in his leadership ability or vision, President Palacio told the Ambassador on May 31 that his government is focused on achieving durable political reforms. Palacio expressed continued concern about disloyalty in the police an [...] |
2005-06-01 22:25:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR MOPS KCRM EC |
| 05QUITO1257 |
PRESIDENT PALACIO ON IMF, FTA AND HEALTHCARE [...] (C) Summary. In a May 31 meeting with the Ambassador, President Palacio, a heart surgeon, discussed his ambitious national health care plan. He also told the Ambassador to pay little attention to the exuberance of youth displayed by Palacio's Minister of Economy and Finance Rafael Correa. In [...] |
2005-06-01 22:27:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON PGOV ETRD EPET EFIN EC |
| 05QUITO1265 |
NEW MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT ACKNOWLEDGES [...] Summary. In a courtesy call with the new Minister of the Environment, Anita Alban Mora, Embassy and USAID officials presented Galapagos and illegal logging as the Mission,s two top environmental priorities. Alban agreed that these issues were serious and said she planned to deal with them, w [...] |
2005-06-02 19:35:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECON EFIS ETRD PGOV PREL SENV EC |
| 05QUITO1267 |
CONGRESS PASSES TIP LEGISLATION [...] Summary: On June 1, Congress passed a law criminalizing trafficking in persons (TIP) with 6 to 35-year prison terms. The legislation also penalizes companies and individuals who promote sexual tourism and child sex tourism with 6 to 12 years. The bill is expected to go to President Alfredo [...] |
2005-06-02 22:42:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1268 |
ECUADOR TO SUPPORT U.S. HUMAN RIGHTS CANDIDATE [...] (SBU) MFA U/S for Multilateral Affairs, Julio Prado, told PolChief on June 2 that he had instructed Ecuador's OAS mission to support the candidacy of Prof. Paolo Carozza for commissioner on the IACHR. Prado said the GOE had the highest estimation of Carozza's qualifications and expressed app [...] |
2005-06-02 22:42:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PHUM EC OAS |
| 05QUITO1269 |
NOMINATION FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S AWARD FOR [...] No summary [...] |
2005-06-03 16:07:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | BEXP EINV ELAB ETRD KSEP SENV EC |
| 05QUITO1273 |
ECUADOR COMMITTED TO FIGHTING TIP [...] Summary: We delivered reftel talking points and the suggested trafficking in persons (TIP) action plan to the MOG and MFA on June 2, explaining the urgency of significant action to combat TIP in the next 60 days. MOG officials are reviewing the anti-TIP law Congress passed on June 1 and will [...] |
2005-06-03 18:25:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | KCRM KWMN PHUM PREL SMIG EC |
| 05QUITO1274 |
VP READY TO DIALOGUE [...] (C) Summary: Vice President Alejandro Serrano Aguilar discussed his role as coordinator of national dialogue with the Ambassador, including plans for the upcoming public dialogue process and referendum that the GOE is planning to hold by December 11. Serrano also discussed his past experien [...] |
2005-06-03 19:51:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1322 |
DROPPING DOLLAR RAISES PROSPECTS IN TULCAN [...] SUMMARY: Tulcan, capital of Ecuador's Carchi province, bestrides the Panamerican Highway four hours from Quito and four miles from Colombia. Like frontier towns worldwide, Carchi's capital enjoys its share of money changers, truck stops, and customs checkpoints, most visitors clocking in for [...] |
2005-06-08 20:36:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV SNAR PTER ECON ETRD EC CO |
| 05QUITO1340 |
GUTIERREZ RETURN JUST ONE OF PALACIO'S PROBLEMS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Forty-five days young, the Alfredo Palacio government has hit its first snags. Two cabinet ministers resigned this week (Septel) amidst charges they owed money to the state. One other is backpedaling over accusations he conspired to depose former President Lucio Gutierrez. Mil [...] |
2005-06-09 23:09:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO1344 |
FORMER FM FACING POSSIBLE CONGRESSIONAL CENSURE [...] (C) Summary: The president of Congress has publicly threatened to bring charges against Former Foreign Minister Patricio Zuquilanda, who lost his position with ex-President Gutierrez' ouster, for violating Ecuador's sovereignty by allowing the US military to sink decrepit Ecuadorian flagged [...] |
2005-06-10 14:51:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1350 |
GOE DEMANDS DEBTORS' RESIGNATIONS [...] Summary. On June 6, Secretary General of the Administration Luis Herreria called for the resignations of all senior public servants, including Cabinet ministers, who were delinquent in debt repayments before taking office. Herreria's announcement came two days after Congress published a lis [...] |
2005-06-10 18:26:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV KCOR PREL ECON EC |
| 05QUITO1352 |
PUSHING FOR PROGRESS ON THE 60-DAY PLAN [...] (SBU) Summary: On June 7, the Ambassador explained the importance to the United States of the new anti-trafficking law to General Jose Vinueza (the national chief of police), who promised to conduct raids and arrest traffickers. First Lady Maria Beatriz Paret responded enthusiastically on Ju [...] |
2005-06-10 18:36:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1363 |
ECUADORIAN NGO HAS REFORM PROPOSAL [...] Summary: Ecuadorian NGO Citizen Participation (PC) has prepared an electoral reform proposal that will be discussed in forums nationwide, and then presented to the Vice Presidency and the National Modernization Council (CONAM) for possible inclusion in the December 11 referendum. The initia [...] |
2005-06-13 14:19:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1381 |
ECUADOR LIKELY TO SUPPORT SWISS CIRCULAR ON MDA [...] On June 8, PolOff delivered talking points and a copy of the Swiss circular to MFA Human Rights Director Carmen Larrea. The document recommends a conference to discuss a Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions granting the Magen David Adom (MDA) full membership in the Internation [...] |
2005-06-13 21:22:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AORC PHUM PREF PREL IS SZ EC ICRC |
| 05QUITO1384 |
LIBERTAD ACT RESPONSE [...] PolOff met with MFA Human Rights Director Carmen Larrea on June 13, who said the GOE had no programs to support democracy and human rights in Cuba. She said the GOE lacks sufficient resources to look into such issues. 2. We have no specific information on Ecuadorian investments in Cuba. [...] |
2005-06-13 22:41:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL CU ETRD ETTC EC |
| 05QUITO1392 |
ECUADOR: JUNE LABOR UPDATE [...] Summary: Following are recent labor-related developments of interest: --ILO Meets with New MOL (para. 2) --Vice Minister Outlines Labor Code Reform Plan (4) --Child Labor Inspectors Rehired (6) --FENACLE Reports Incidents on Banana Plantations (7) --MOE Proposes Investing Social Security [...] |
2005-06-14 20:23:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO1403 |
ANTI-BOLIVARIAN COMMENTS LEAD TO GOE DAMAGE CONTROL [...] (U) Summary: Public Administration Secretary Luis Herreria made televised remarks on June 10 criticizing Venezuela's Bolivarian movement and blaming it for causing instability in the region. The GOV protested orally and asked for a diplomatic response from the GOE. In an attempt to mend re [...] |
2005-06-15 22:53:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1404 |
WELCOME TO ECUADOR, GENERAL CRADDOCK [...] (U) On behalf of Mission Ecuador, General, please accept a warm welcome on your second visit to this fascinating South American nation. Regrettably, your tight schedule forced an agenda trimming -- we initially had you traversing Ecuador's border with Colombia -- but we'll file that itinerary [...] |
2005-06-16 13:39:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV MARR MASS MOPS SNAR PTER EC CO |
| 05QUITO1407 |
VP Discusses FTA, Referendum, and Gutierrez [...] Summary. Vice President Alejandro Serrano Aguilar met June 15 with the Ambassador for breakfast. He discussed his support for the US-Andean Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the upcoming public dialogue process and referendum, and ex- President Gutierrez's anti-GOE commentary from Washington. Ser [...] |
2005-06-16 17:01:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1420 |
INDIGENOUS FEDERATIONS FOCUSING ON ECONOMY [...] Summary: In the second month following the ouster of ex-President Gutierrez, indigenous groups are biding their time on the political front and focusing on economic concerns. FEINE, representing Ecuador's evangelical indigenous, is waiting for the new government to stabilize and for earlier [...] |
2005-06-17 18:01:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1445 |
RESPONDING TO ECUADOR'S GOVERNANCE CRISIS [...] (C) Summary: Following the April 20 change in government, the US Mission underwent a two-month process to gather data and analyze the deeper causes of instability affecting Ecuador's governance. Mission sections and agencies, led by the Ambassador, met on June 14 to discuss our short and lo [...] |
2005-06-20 21:58:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1446 |
ECUADOR UNDECIDED ON UN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS [...] On June 20, PolOff relayed reftel talking points to MFA Human Rights Director Carmen Larrea. Larrea said Ecuador does not have a position on how the UN Commission on Human Rights should be reformed. Ecuador is reviewing all proposals including Cuba's, she said, and will look for a non-polit [...] |
2005-06-20 22:26:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1447 |
GOVERNMENT OF ECUADOR PARTICIPATES IN TIP FORUM [...] Summary: Four GOE officials spoke at the June 16 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) forum, sponsored by the Embassy and Catholic University. Topics included anti-trafficking legislation, underage prostitution, and the government's actions. "Dying to Leave", a video about trafficking, was shown, [...] |
2005-06-20 22:27:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1506 |
ECUADOR'S PARTICIPATION IN MERCOSUR SUMMIT [...] (U) Summary: On June 18 Alfredo Palacio embarked on his first international visit as president of Ecuador, arriving in Asuncion, Paraguay, for the 28th Mercosur Summit. He went with two main objectives: to form and strengthen bilateral ties with other South American countries, and to publicl [...] |
2005-06-24 19:59:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1507 |
ROADBLOCKS MANY TO GUTIERREZ RETURN [...] SUMMARY. Former Ecuador President Lucio Gutierrez has announced his intention to return to Ecuador to confront those who deposed him. An imminent Gutierrez return appears unlikely, however, owing to the myriad of charges, criminal and otherwise, filed against him. The ex-president's politic [...] |
2005-06-24 20:06:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV KCOR PREL PHUM EC |
| 05QUITO1518 |
REQUEST DOS REVIEW ON POST-VETTED MEMBERS OF EC [...] The Embassy has developed plans to train these members of the Ecuadorian Air Force. Bio information follows: NAME AND DPOB: -- TAPIA Guerrero, LTC Fausto Enrique. Born 20 Nov 1970, Chunchi, Chimborazo province. -- RECALDE Vivero, 2nd LT Juan Francisco 23 Jun 1979, Ibarra, Imbabura [...] |
2005-06-27 22:52:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PREL EC KICC |
| 05QUITO1522 |
FURTHER BACKGROUND ON POTENTIAL INTENDING [...] (U) Reftel requested Department concurrence regarding Embassy-recommended visa revocations. This telegram provides additional background on the visa holders, all associated with the administration of former Ecuador President Lucio Gutierrez. We no longer seek to revoke the visa of one, but [...] |
2005-06-28 18:14:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | CVIS PREL KCOR EC |
| 05QUITO1531 |
WELCOME TO ECUADOR CHAIRMAN THOMAS DELEGATION [...] (U) Chairman Thomas and other Ways and Means Committee Members, we look forward to your visit to Ecuador. Unfortunately, I will have to miss your visit as I move on to my next assignment; however, you will be in the very capable hands of our mission in Ecuador. Your full agenda will include a [...] |
2005-06-29 15:08:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD ECON OVIP EFIN PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1534 |
FARC ATTACKS FURTHER ALIENATE QUITO, BOGOTA [...] (C) SUMMARY: News of the FARC's lethal attacks in southern Putumayo June 25 spawned a counterproductive but oh-so-Ecuadorian response from politicians in Quito. Rather than condemning the narcoterrorists and acknowledging that border security requires bilateral cooperation, Palacio administ [...] |
2005-06-29 15:15:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MOPS MARR SNAR PTER EC CO |
| 05QUITO156 |
GOE ATTEMPTS TO GET PAST COURT ISSUE [...] (SBU) Summary: Supported by a pro-government march of 10,000, President Gutierrez introduced his referendum proposals in Congress on January 21. The reforms include a method to select a new Supreme Court and other judicial institutions. Already sensing opposition to his referendum from wit [...] |
2005-01-21 20:16:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KDEM EC |
| 05QUITO159 |
LABOR CODE REFORM PROPOSALS AND PROSPECTS [...] (U) Summary: Minister of Labor Raul Izurieta plans to announce a labor code reform package in February, which he expects to submit to Congress in April. The reforms would permit the formation of industry-wide unions, as well as include various pro-business competitiveness initiatives. Izuri [...] |
2005-01-21 21:45:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO1621 |
USITC 2004 Annual Andean Investment and Drug Crop [...] Below is Post's response to the U.S. International Trade Commission's request for information regarding Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA) related investment in Ecuador in 2004. 2. Summary. Ecuadorian investment in industries that export to the United States has not [...] |
2005-07-08 19:26:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECON OTRA ASEC PE |
| 05QUITO1628 |
REQUEST FOR DOS REVIEW ON POST-VETTED MEMBERS OF [...] The Embassy has developed plans to train these members of the Ecuadorian armed forces. Bio information follows: NAME AND DPOB: -- Quishpe Ipiales, LT (Navy) German Napoleon. B. 22 Oct 1976 Quito, Pichincha province; -- Proano Daza, LTC (Army) Jacinto Agustin. B. 31 Dec 1962, Pimapiro, [...] |
2005-07-11 22:02:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PREL EC KICC |
| 05QUITO1629 |
CODEL THOMAS DELIVERS TOUGH MESSAGE ON TRADE [...] Summary: In meetings with Ecuadorian Members of Congress, Minister of Trade, AmCham members and President (reported reftel) Codel Thomas delivered a tough message on trade and the FTA, stating clearly that the current ATPDEA benefits will not be renewed, that the U.S. will have no qualms abo [...] |
2005-07-12 13:36:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECON PGOV ELAB EINV EC |
| 05QUITO1635 |
BORDER SECURITY DOMINATES PALACIO-URIBE DISCUSSION [...] (C) SUMMARY: Amidst a perception of frayed bilateral relations -- due mainly to GoE leaders' anti-Colombia outbursts -- Presidents Alfredo Palacio and Alvaro Uribe briefly met July 7 in Costa Rica. Media here claimed the session was substance-lite and lasted only fifteen minutes; an MFA con [...] |
2005-07-12 22:59:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV SNAR PTER EC CO |
| 05QUITO1643 |
SUSPECTED FARC MILITANTS DEPORTED [...] (U) Summary: Three suspected FARC militants, captured in a Quito clinic on July 11, were deported to Colombia on July 12. President Palacio telephoned a grateful President Uribe on July 12 to inform him of the capture. One of the suspects is believed to have led the FARC attack on the Tete [...] |
2005-07-13 21:53:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PTER CO EC |
| 05QUITO1645 |
STAFFDEL SEES CN, CT GAPS IN ECUADOR [...] (S) SUMMARY: Use of Ecuadorian territory by narcotics and alien smugglers dominated discussions during Staffdel Walker, which visited Ecuador July 4-9. A DEA briefing revealed that agency,s eavesdropping weaknesses, exacerbated by Ecuadorian cellular carriers migration from analog to digita [...] |
2005-07-14 15:49:00 | Embassy Quito | SECRET | SNAR PTER MASS PGOV PREL EC CO |
| 05QUITO1663 |
GOE CONSIDERING CHAVEZ LOAN [...] (C) Summary: The Palacio government may be considering a $500 million loan from Venezuela, after visits to Caracas by FM Parra and MinFin Correa. The GOE is apparently considering turning to Chavez to fill a looming budgetary gap caused by investor lack of confidence in Correa, the possibili [...] |
2005-07-14 22:58:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EFIN EC |
| 05QUITO1665 |
ECUADOR: PROGRESS ON TIP [...] Summary: There have been advances on several fronts to combat TIP here. On June 23, Ecuador's new penal code took effect, criminalizing and applying prison terms of 6 to 16 years for traffickers. First Lady Maria Paret again expressed her personal commitment to preventing more children fro [...] |
2005-07-15 15:23:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1666 |
SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM IN PRESIDENT'S HANDS [...] (U) Summary: President Palacio has ten days from July 11 to decide whether to approve or veto a Congressional bill proposing the complete return of social security reserve funds to the population. Currently, the funds, paid yearly by employers and managed by the Ecuadorian Social Security I [...] |
2005-07-15 16:07:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ELAB PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO1667 |
FIRST STAGE OF NATIONAL DIALOGUE PROCESS COMES TO [...] SUMMARY: On July 11, PolIntern met with Alexandra Perez, the executive director of the National State Modernization Council (CONAM) to discuss the ongoing national dialogue process and December 11 referendum. Perez is supporting Vice President Alejandro Serrano in directing this project; she [...] |
2005-07-15 18:13:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1671 |
MEDIA REACTION: ECUADOR FOREIGN POLICY AND [...] Newspapers have reported widely on visits to Caracas of the foreign affairs and economics ministries, which included meetings with Chavez, and increasing ties between Ecuador and Venezuela. An article in the July 15 El Universo is entitled "Change in foreign policy" and includes an intervie [...] |
2005-07-15 18:44:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL OPRC KIRC KPAO EC |
| 05QUITO1673 |
LICENSING CONDITIONS IN ECUADOR'S TELECOMS SECTOR [...] Per reftel, Commercial Specialist and Econ Officer met with acting President of the National Telecommunications Council Antonio Arroyo on July 11 to discuss licensing conditions in the Ecuadorian telecommunications sector. The following information also reflects discussions with other teleco [...] |
2005-07-15 18:44:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ETRD EINV ECON EC XR |
| 05QUITO1715 |
ECUADOR: MIXED SIGNALS ON CHAVEZ DEAL [...] (C) Summary: Press reports suggest Ecuador is ready to sign agreements with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on financing and oil deals, despite President Alfredo Palacio's public denials that any GOE decision has been taken. Privately, however, Palacio administration officials are telling u [...] |
2005-07-20 23:35:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EFIN ENRG EC |
| 05QUITO1733 |
ECUADOR GENERALLY SUPPORTIVE OF USG UN AGENDA [...] ADCM and PolIntern met on July 20 with MFA under-secretary for Multilateral Affairs Miguel Mendez and Human Rights officer Maria Elena Moreira to convey points in reftels. Mendez indicated the GOE was generally supportive of the USG agenda for UN reform and the September High-Level Event, bu [...] |
2005-07-22 19:32:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV KUNR AORC EC UNSC |
| 05QUITO1734 |
MORE FINANCIAL PRESSURE ON ECUADOR [...] (C) Summary. Opting for the path of least resistance, President Palacio issued a partial veto of the bill to refund social security (IESS) reserve funds, but proposed to refund the reserve funds anyway. The major immediate difference between the congressional bill and the Palacio proposal is [...] |
2005-07-22 19:56:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1736 |
GOE REFUTES USG VIEWS ON BELGIAN FUNDING OF CUBAN [...] (C) ACDM made reftel points to MFA U/S for Bilateral Affairs Susan Alvear on July 22. 2. (C) Alvear countered our views with the "beggars can't be choosers" argument, saying that with USG and IFI assistance ever-shrinking, the GOE must turn to other donors to meet its social needs. It wa [...] |
2005-07-22 21:10:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID PHUM PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1741 |
MEDIA REACTION: ECUADORIAN RELATIONS WITH [...] "Possible Accords with Venezuela," an opinion column (07/23) by Orlando Alcvar in Guayaquil's (and Ecuador's) center-right "El Universo" (weekend circ. 240,000) Quote: "Although Chavez's proposals are moved by the best intention, they also carry along an undeniable political ingredient th [...] |
2005-07-25 16:36:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL OPRC KIRC KPAO EC |
| 05QUITO1747 |
PALACIO ANNOUNCES POLITICAL REFORM, RAISING HACKLES [...] (SBU) Summary: In a nationally televised address, President Alfredo Palacio has called for Congress to return from summer recess to hold an extraordinary session on July 26, to discuss political reforms he proposes be put to a popular referendum. Palacio made the reform proposal while also [...] |
2005-07-25 22:59:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KDEM EC |
| 05QUITO1753 |
MEDIA REACTION: ECUADORIAN RELATIONS WITH [...] "A Ghost Named Chavez," a column (07/25) by Grace Jaramillo in Quito's leading centrist "El Comercio" (circ. 70,000) Quote: "One week of debate over the pros and cons of associating with Chavez. . . about how the risk that getting closer to Chavez might distance us from the U.S., is evide [...] |
2005-07-26 19:45:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL OPRC KIRC KPAO EC |
| 05QUITO1778 |
MEDIA REACTION: ECUADORIAN RELATIONS WITH [...] "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 alter [...] |
2005-07-29 13:19:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL OPRC KIRC KPAO EC |
| 05QUITO1786 |
ECUADOR TILTING TOWARD SUPPORTING G-4 RESOLUTION [...] (C) The Italian Ambassador informed the Charge on July 29 that FM Parra had called him to discuss the G-4 resolution. After earlier saying the GOE would abstain, Parra now said that President Palacio had decided to support the G-4 resolution. Palacio's decision came after a call (date unspec [...] |
2005-07-29 19:11:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL EC UNSC UNGA |
| 05QUITO1787 |
PALACIO STUMBLES BUT RECOVERS AT 100 DAYS [...] (SBU) Summary: Tension generated by recent political missteps by President Palacio has been reduced over the past week thanks to Congressional restraint and the intervention of outsiders. Congress' recent votes in favor of the presidential veto on social security and returning his political [...] |
2005-07-29 19:54:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL AORC EC |
| 05QUITO1788 |
ECUADOR: JULY LABOR UPDATE [...] Summary: Following are recent labor-related developments of interest: -- MOL Discusses Labor Reform Plan (para. 2) -- Four Agreements Reached on Labor (4) -- MOL Working With Limited Budget (5) -- Congress Working on Subcontracting Law (6) -- Social Security Reserve Funds To Be Returned ( [...] |
2005-08-01 14:59:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO179 |
SUPPORTING HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY REPORT [...] (U) We are submitting the following information in response to the request for the 2004 Supporting Human Rights and Democracy Report (reftel). On January 25, Post emailed the version with tracked changes to DRL/PHD. 2. (U) Although Ecuador enjoys a democratically elected government that gen [...] |
2005-01-25 17:23:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1799 |
BOTH CONCERN AND INDIFFERENCE GREET UNESCO'S [...] Summary. Meeting in Durban, South Africa in July, UNESCO's World Heritage Committee addressed deteriorating conservation efforts in the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve. Regretting the lack of attention given to the Galapagos by the GOE, the Committee called for United Nations Edu [...] |
2005-08-03 18:46:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV EAID ECON EFIS ETRD PGOV AORC EC UN |
| 05QUITO1802 |
MEDIA REACTION: VENEZUELA [...] No summary [...] |
2005-08-03 21:53:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL OPRC KIRC KPAO EC |
| 05QUITO1803 |
NATIONAL PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: TIP A TOP PRIORITY [...] On August 2, President Alfredo Palacio devoted a section of his televised national address (septel) to trafficking in persons (TIP), declaring his government's "priority to combat TIP, exploitation, and underage prostitution." He publicized the penal code reforms that criminalize trafficking [...] |
2005-08-03 22:00:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1804 |
PALACIO SNUBS VENEZUELAN FM [...] (C) Summary: FM Antonio Parra, acting without the President's knowledge or consent, reportedly arranged an August 3 lunch for President Palacio with Venezuelan FM Ali Rodriguez. Palacio only found out about the invitation the evening of August 2 from his adviser Luis Herreria and quickly ca [...] |
2005-08-03 22:22:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EC VE |
| 05QUITO1817 |
ECUADOR: GITMO TALKING POINTS DELIVERED [...] (C) Charge delivered talking points in reftel A to Palacio on August 3 during a private session with the President (reftel B). Palacio promised to review them. 2. (C) Guayaquil PolOff and Quito PolIntern delivered talking points in reftel A to MFA Subsecretary for Bilateral Affairs Aleja [...] |
2005-08-05 18:48:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | KISL KPAO PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1818 |
PALACIO REVIEWS HIS FIRST 100 DAYS [...] (SBU) Summary: Highlighting his proposed reform package as the means to realize his vision for Ecuador in the year 2020, President Palacio made his fourth televised address to the nation on August 2. Domestic themes and the president's beloved universal health care scheme dominated the speec [...] |
2005-08-05 18:48:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1841 |
MEDIA REACTION: ECUADOR RELATIONS WITH [...] No summary [...] |
2005-08-10 21:03:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL OPRC KIRC KPAO EC |
| 05QUITO1884 |
MEDIA REACTION: ECUADOR RELATIONS WITH [...] No summary [...] |
2005-08-15 21:58:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL OPRC KIRC KPAO EC |
| 05QUITO1924 |
ECUADOR ENGAGEMENT IN HAITI UNWAVERING [...] (SBU) PolChief conveyed reftel points urging continued Ecuadorian military support for the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) to VFM Marcelo Fernandez de Cordova on February 17. 2. (SBU) Fernandez said he would not attend the vice-ministerial meeting in Santiago August 19; the G [...] |
2005-08-17 23:27:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL KPKO MARR HA EC |
| 05QUITO1926 |
PRES. PALACIO ON NEW AMB. TO U.S., REPLACEMENT FM [...] (C) Summary: President Alfredo Palacio told the Charge that he would name career diplomat Luis Gallegos Chiriboga to be Ecuador's Ambassador to the U.S. shortly. He also said he intended to replace FM Parra with another career Ecuadorian and UN diplomat, Diego Cordovez. End Summary. 2. [...] |
2005-08-17 23:37:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR EC |
| 05QUITO1931 |
PRES. PALACIO CONSIDERS, THEN REJECTS VISIT TO CUBA [...] (C) Summary. On August 17, President Palacio shared with Charge his inclination to attend a ceremony in Havana for graduating Ecuadorian medical students on August 20. Doing so would boost his international standing, he said, offering Latin America an alternative regional leader to Hugo Chav [...] |
2005-08-18 12:40:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PINR CU EC |
| 05QUITO1976 |
SOME MOVEMENT TOWARD POLITICAL REFORMS [...] (SBU) Summary: The process of selecting a new Supreme Court is moving forward, with assistance from the UN, OAS, and others. The government's parallel effort to formulate a political reform referendum based on citizen input is back on track, after an initial wobble. The OAS is receiving USG [...] |
2005-08-22 23:07:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO1978 |
PALACIO: I NEED YOUR HELP [...] (C) Summary: In a meeting with Charge on August 22, President Palacio asked for U.S. assistance with the international financial institutions to ensure that Ecuador could meet its October financing requirements. He expressed frustration with unrest in the oil patch and with the intelligence [...] |
2005-08-23 00:26:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ECON EFIN VE EC |
| 05QUITO20 |
WHO WILL LEAD ECUADOR'S CONGRESS? [...] (U) SUMMARY: January 5 marks the mid-point of the congressional term in Ecuador; on that date, legislators will elect a president, two vice presidents, and the membership of 18 committees to lead Congress until January 2007. The presidential race, pitting opposition (ID) and pro-government [...] |
2005-01-04 15:21:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2008 |
FM PARRA TO CARACAS SOCIAL CHARTER EVENT, NOT TO [...] (C) PolChief conveyed reftel points to acting MFA U/S for Multilateral Affairs, Carmen Larrea on August 24. 2. (C) Larrea confirmed that FM Parra would attend the August 28 OAS Social Charter event in Caracas. 3. (C) According to Larrea, the GOE is in accord with the U.S. position tha [...] |
2005-08-26 13:24:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | KSUM SOCI PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO2013 |
MEDIA REACTION: PAT ROBERTSON'S STATEMENT [...] No summary [...] |
2005-08-26 20:20:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL OPRC KIRC KPAO EC |
| 05QUITO2022 |
MEDIA REACTION: VENEZUELA; PAT ROBERTSON'S [...] . "Pact with Venezuela - Let's Get Going," a column (08/29) in Guayaquil's conservative "El Telegrafo" (circ. 8,000) "The fiscal situation has been deteriorating for quite some time now. The fundamental cause is the huge amount of money allotted in the budget for the so called service of [...] |
2005-08-30 16:56:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL OPRC KIRC KPAO EC |
| 05QUITO2049 |
SCANDAL TARNISHES PALACIO GOVERNMENT [...] (C) Summary: President Palacio has moved quickly to stem the damage caused by a widening forgery and position-selling scandal by firing implicated advisors inside the office of the presidency. Coming on the heels of damaging strikes, the scandal has weakened the Palacio government's image [...] |
2005-09-02 14:18:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2057 |
A FIRST MEETING WITH PALACIO [...] (C) Summary: In their first substantive discussion, President Palacio told the Ambassador that he sees himself as a counterweight to Venezuela's Chavez; that he intends to take a hard line to keep civil order in Ecuador; that he believes the international financial institutions (IFIs) will s [...] |
2005-09-02 19:41:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EFIN ECON VE EC |
| 05QUITO2060 |
AMBASSADOR MEETS GOVERNMENT MINISTER GANDARA [...] (C) Summary: The Ambassador paid a courtesy call on Minister of Government Mauricio Gandara on September 1. Gandara, a lightning rod for growing criticism of the Palacio government, made light of the chorus of calls for his impeachment. In a cordial and wide-ranging discussion, Gandara bla [...] |
2005-09-02 20:23:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR EC |
| 05QUITO2064 |
TFUS01: PRESIDENT PALACIO OFFERS HURRICANE [...] President Alfredo Palacio spoke with the Ambassador on September 2 to express GOE condolences and reiterated the GOE's willingness to send a boatload of bananas to the U.S. to aid victims. He named Agriculture Minister Pablo Rizzo as the GOE point person for Hurricane Katrina relief. 2. [...] |
2005-09-05 18:35:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | AEMR EAID PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2065 |
ECUADOR OPEN TO SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS ALTERNATIVE [...] (SBU) Summary: The GOE's representative at the September 7-9 Summit Implementation Review Group (SIRG) meeting in Buenos Aires told us the GOE shares USG concern over progress of the declaration and agrees that a leaders statement may be a necessary alternative. End Summary. 2. (SBU) M [...] |
2005-09-06 16:07:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2088 |
AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH FM PARRA [...] (C) Summary: In an initial office call, the Ambassador thanked FM for the GOE's generous offer of disaster assistance to the U.S., and requested patience while international assistance offers are considered. She urged dialogue with Colombia to resolve important bilateral issues and promote [...] |
2005-09-08 16:43:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EAID ECON EC UNGA |
| 05QUITO2092 |
MUSICAL CHAIRS MOVES INTO HYPERSPEED: TRADE TO [...] (C) Summary: Minister of Commerce Oswaldo Molestina told Ambassador he would be designated as the new Minister of Government (police, security forces, congressional relations) late on September 8. One of his deputies, Jorge Illingworth, would take over as Minister of Commerce and Manuel Chir [...] |
2005-09-08 23:48:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | ETRD ECON PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2100 |
GALAPAGOS PARK MANAGEMENT: ONE STEP FORWARD; TWO [...] Summary. In a move that strengthens the directorship of the Galapagos National Park (GNP), the GOE has established a transparent and independent selection process for park directors. But this positive move is undermined by a parallel resolution by SENRES -- the national technical secretaria [...] |
2005-09-09 17:08:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV EAID ECON EFIS ETRD PGOV PREL AORC EC |
| 05QUITO2101 |
ECUADOR - AVIAN AND PANDEMIC INFLUENZA [...] No summary [...] |
2005-09-09 17:57:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR EAID ECON KSCA PREL SOCI TBIO EC |
| 05QUITO2110 |
ALIEN SMUGGLERS COULD FACE HARSHER PENALTIES IN [...] Summary: The Ecuadorian Congress could pass by year,s end new legislation that stiffens prison sentences for alien smugglers, permits seizure and liquidation of convicted smugglers' properties and nullifies debt instruments for victims' payments to smugglers. The GOE renewed its interest i [...] |
2005-09-13 12:02:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV PREL SMIG EC |
| 05QUITO2114 |
GOE CONSIDERS REQUEST TO SUPPORT IRAQI CONSTITUTION [...] (U) PolOff delivered RefTel points on September 7 to MFA Secretariat for Bilateral Relations Officer, Alejandro SIPDIS Davalos, requesting that the GOE make a public statement in support of Iraqi political advances, and consider ways the GOE can assist with the independent electoral commis [...] |
2005-09-13 15:55:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2115 |
UNGA: MFA MIFFED OVER USG APPROACH TO OUTCOME [...] (SBU) PolOff delivered RefTel points on September 12 to MFA Director for Multilateral Affairs, Miguel Mendez, communicating USG openness to international opinions on the UN High Level Event Outcome Document, while encouraging GOE officials to be flexible during negotiations. Mendez said that [...] |
2005-09-13 16:03:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL EC UNGA |
| 05QUITO2116 |
ECUADOR SUPPORTS IAEA REFORMS [...] (SBU) PolOff delivered RefTel points on September 12 to MFA Director for Multilateral Affairs, Miguel Mendez, congratulating the GOE for its work on establishing the IAEA Committee on Safeguards and Verification and requesting GOE views on organizational and substantive issues related to the C [...] |
2005-09-13 16:57:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KNNP AORC TRGY ENRG PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2127 |
CIVAIR COMMUNITY EAGERLY AWAITS NEW GPS PROCEDURE [...] Summary. Global Positioning System (GPS) procedures for Quito's Mariscal Sucre airport are close to becoming a reality. GOE civil aviation regulators, the airlines, and the Quito Airport all see positive benefits to introducing GPS procedures. Benefits include preventing frequent weather-r [...] |
2005-09-15 14:45:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | EAIR PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO2129 |
MINISTER OF LABOR WILL WORK TOWARDS LABOR REFORM [...] (SBU) Summary: In a September 14 meeting, the Ambassador told Minister of Labor Galo Chiriboga that the FTA offered the best opportunity for labor rights protection in Ecuador. Chiriboga agreed that Ecuador needed a more modern labor code and the International Labor Organization (ILO) must be [...] |
2005-09-15 16:29:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO2132 |
COLOMBIAN AMBASSADOR CONCERNED ABOUT ECUADOR [...] (SBU) Summary. Colombian Ambassador Carlos Holguin Molina told the Ambassador on September 13 that his government is concerned about deteriorating bilateral relations with the Palacio government. The impending exit of FM Parra would help, but likely not resolve the festering dispute over ae [...] |
2005-09-15 16:31:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV CO EC |
| 05QUITO2152 |
GOE STILL NOT CONVINCED ON UNSC REFERRAL FOR IRAN [...] (SBU) PolOff faxed RefTel points on September 15 and followed up with a telephone call on September 19 to MFA Director for Multilateral Affairs, Miguel Mendez, requesting that the GOE consider referring Iran to the UN Security Council. PolOff mentioned that the Secretary had raised this issu [...] |
2005-09-19 20:35:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KNNP PARM PREL IR EU MNUC IAEA |
| 05QUITO2184 |
GALAPAGOS: PROGRESS ON ALTERNATIVES TO COMMERCIAL [...] Summary. Despite lackluster efforts by the GOE, the search for sustainable alternatives to commercial fishing in the Galapagos is progressing. Projects initiated by USAID and NGOs are beginning to generate new economic opportunities that could reduce the pressure on extractive fishing pract [...] |
2005-09-23 15:10:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV EAID EFIS ECON PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2191 |
ID LEADERS SUPPORT PALACIO'S REFORM EFFORTS [...] (SBU) Summary: In initial office calls on President of Congress Wilfredo Lucero and Quito Mayor Paco Moncayo, the Ambassador discussed prospects for political reform. Both Moncayo and Lucero were emphatic that Palacio needed support for his reform agenda, echoing the sentiments of other le [...] |
2005-09-23 21:43:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PINR PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2193 |
BACKGROUND ON NEW ECUADORIAN FOREIGN MINISTER [...] Summary: (SBU) Francisco Carrion Mena, who has been tapped to replace Foreign Minister Antonio Parra, comes to the job with a history of leftist leanings, but with a solid background as a career diplomat and a good relationship with the United States. Carrion, the current ambassador to Spain, [...] |
2005-09-23 22:30:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV PINR EC |
| 05QUITO2207 |
IMPROVING ECUADOR-COLOMBIA RELATIONS [...] (C) Summary: Communication and relations between President Palacio and President Uribe remain good, highlighted by recent GOE action against the FARC here. But the GOE continues to insist that aerial spraying of pesticides be suspended along the border while a new study is prepared. Palaci [...] |
2005-09-27 21:04:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2223 |
CONGRESS DEBATES REFERENDUM QUESTIONS [...] (SBU) Summary: Minister of Government Oswaldo Molestina sent an initial draft of referendum questions to Congress on September 27. Congress are currently wading through the text of 17 proposed questions designed to probe citizens' opinions on everything from limiting campaign advertisements [...] |
2005-09-28 23:09:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO2235 |
DEMOCRACY PROMOTION STRATEGIES FOR ECUADOR [...] (SBU) Summary: With serious democratic deficiencies fueling political and economic instability in Ecuador, we welcome the Department's enhanced emphasis on democracy promotion and its decision to include Ecuador among countries to receive priority attention. After engaging all elements of t [...] |
2005-09-29 21:02:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PREL KDEM EC |
| 05QUITO224 |
JANUARY TIP UPDATE [...] (U) Summary: There have been encouraging signs from the Congress that pending trafficking in persons (TIP) legislation may pass by the end of February. The American Bar Association (ABA) reviewed its suggested changes to the bill with the Embassy and has presented them to key congressional c [...] |
2005-01-27 20:45:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2241 |
NEW GOVERNMENT MINISTER AN IMPROVEMENT [...] (C) Summary: On September 26, the Ambassador discussed pending political reforms with new Minister of Government Oswaldo Molestina. She also enlisted Molestina's continued support for the successful conclusion of an FTA and new leadership combating trafficking in persons (TIP). President [...] |
2005-09-30 15:33:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PINR EC |
| 05QUITO2244 |
ECUADOR OPEN TO SUA NON-PROLIFERATION AMENDMENTS [...] (SBU) MFA Director of Sovereignty Office Helena Yanes responded to RefTel points on September 30. Yanes said that Ecuador agrees in principle to the dangers related to high seas transport of dual-use items, but is not ready to commit regarding criminalization. That decision will likely be i [...] |
2005-09-30 19:38:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KNNP MNUC PARM PREL KTIA PHSA EWWT EC |
| 05QUITO2288 |
ENVIRONMENT MINISTER CONFRONTS ILLEGAL LOGGERS [...] Summary: Minister of Environment Anita Alban took to the forest on October 1st to investigate illegal logging. The inspection, which revealed criminal activities, has yet to generate any concrete judicial response. Alban's decision to confront loggers takes place amid rumors that she will be [...] |
2005-10-07 16:21:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV EAID ECON PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO2359 |
GUTIERREZ RETURNS TO JAIL, PALACIO SOWS UNCERTAINTY [...] (C) Summary: Ex-president Lucio Gutierrez returned to Ecuador on October 14 and was promptly arrested and incarcerated in Quito. Perhaps more destabilizing was an announcement the same day by President Alfredo Palacio proposing a national constituent assembly over congressional opposition. [...] |
2005-10-18 15:17:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PREL EC |
| 05QUITO236 |
ANOTHER DEFECTION FROM GUTIERREZ'S INNER CIRCLE? [...] (C) SUMMARY: Tired and forlorn, Presidential Legal Advisor and close Embassy contact Carlos Larrea informed Poloffs January 27 that President Lucio Gutierrez was feeling growing pressure from legislative allies for cabinet and policy changes. The PRE party sought ministerial positions from [...] |
2005-01-28 22:12:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KCOR KDEM PREL PHUM EC |
| 05QUITO2386 |
ECUADOR LABOR UPDATE [...] Summary: Following are recent labor-related developments of interest: -- MOL Currently Acting MinGov (para. 2) -- ILO to Draft Labor Code Reform (3) -- National Labor Council to Discuss Subcontracting Law (4) -- MOL to Hire More Child Labor Inspectors (5) -- Banana Workers Fired For Union [...] |
2005-10-20 16:22:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO2405 |
CAMPAIGN AGAINST SHARK FIN TRADE TARGETS PUBLIC [...] Summary: On October 17 Environmental NGOs initiated a new campaign to conserve the dwindling shark population in Ecuadorian waters. Sharks are highly sought after for the price their fins bring on international markets. Lax enforcement has hampered efforts to reduce shark fishing, despite an [...] |
2005-10-21 21:31:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV EAID EFIS ECON PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO2409 |
PALACIO'S ASSEMBLY PROPOSAL BLOCKED BY TRIBUNAL [...] (C) Summary: The rejection of President Palacio's referendum proposal to convoke a national constituent assembly by the electoral tribunal was swift and has forced the GOE to reevaluate its options to promote reform. Signals from Congress are mixed, with some calling for new talks with the P [...] |
2005-10-21 22:43:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS EC |
| 05QUITO2416 |
TRANSFORMING ECUADOR: ACTION PLAN FOR DEMOCRACY [...] (SBU) Ecuador is one of the most unstable, undemocratic, and corrupt countries in Latin America. Its political and economic systems, based on competition by entrenched elites for lucrative state-provided economic privileges, threaten U.S. interests directly where they impinge on U.S. anti-nar [...] |
2005-10-24 21:48:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KDEM PGOV ECON EAID EC |
| 05QUITO2439 |
INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT KEY TO SUPREME COURT [...] Summary: A new Ecuadorian Supreme Court is expected to be in place by late November, but the work will not end when the selection commission seats new justices. Jose Antonio Viera, a Chilean Senator appointed by the OAS to monitor Ecuador's Supreme Court selection process, told the Ambassad [...] |
2005-10-26 19:13:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PINS EC |
| 05QUITO2440 |
CONGRESS OFFERS, AND PALACIO RESISTS, ASSEMBLY [...] (C) Summary: President of Congress Wilfredo Lucero met with President Alfredo Palacio October 24 to relay lawmakers' support for a constitutional assembly, but not a more powerful constituent assembly as favored by Palacio. The constituent assembly -- intended for times of complete governmen [...] |
2005-10-26 19:29:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PGOV PINS EC |
| 05QUITO2442 |
CONGRESS OFFERS, AND PALACIO RESISTS, ASSEMBLY [...] (C) Summary: President of Congress Wilfredo Lucero met with President Alfredo Palacio October 24 to relay lawmakers' support for a constitutional assembly, but not a more powerful constituent assembly as favored by Palacio. The constituent assembly -- intended for times of complete governmen [...] |
2005-10-26 22:13:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINS KDEM EC |
| 05QUITO2454 |
INADEQUATE CIVIL DEFENSE SYSTEM NEEDS REPAIR [...] (U) Summary: Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and a propensity for flooding can cause widespread destruction in Ecuador and call for a robust emergency response system. Despite this fact, Ecuador's Office of Civil Defense (CD) remains unprepared for the possibility of a natural disaster. Atte [...] |
2005-10-28 15:47:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AEMR EAID PGOV SENV TPHY EC |
| 05QUITO2461 |
LETTER FROM PRESIDENT PALACIO TO PRESIDENT BUSH [...] The Ambassador received a letter from President Palacio to President Bush dated October 27 on October 27. The original will be sent via pouch to WHA/AND. 2. Text of Letter from President Palacio: Most Excellent President and friend: I have the honor of addressing Your Excellency with [...] |
2005-10-28 18:16:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV OPDC EC |
| 05QUITO2463 |
PALACIO CONSIDERS COMPROMISE, CONGRESS APPEALS TO [...] (C) Summary: President Alfredo Palacio told the Ambassador on October 27 that he was considering sending a new referendum proposal to Congress which would allow voters to decide between constituent and constitutional assemblies to make political reform. The Ambassador urged strict adherence [...] |
2005-10-28 19:16:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2464 |
ECUADOR REQUESTS USG ACTION ON WTO EU BANANA [...] (SBU) Summary: The GOE and Ecuadorian businessmen are urging the USG to press the EU to abide by WTO decisions regarding EU banana tariffs and quotas. During an October 25 meeting with the Ambassador, GOE Minister of Trade Jorge Illingworth requested that the USG urge the EU to abide by the [...] |
2005-10-28 20:45:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR ETRD AORC PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2480 |
GOE OPEN TO HOLOCAUST RES., LESS SO ON ANTI-ISRAEL [...] (SBU) Summary: MFA U/S for Multilateral Affairs Mauricio Montalvo told DCM and PolChief that the GOE may be open to voting in favor of an Israeli-sponsored holocaust resolution, but that it would be more difficult to change its votes on other anti-Israeli resolutions. He expressed appreciati [...] |
2005-10-31 21:58:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL IS EC UNGA |
| 05QUITO2499 |
GOE REJECTS IRANIAN REMARKS, CONSIDERING STATEMENT [...] PolChief, British DCM Peter Evans, and PolOff delivered RefTel points on November 1 to Ambassadors Rafael Veintimilla and Marco Samaniego of MFA Bilateral Relations, requesting that the GOE publicly reject President Ahmadi-Nejad's call to "wipe Israel off the map." Veintimilla said that the GO [...] |
2005-11-04 14:37:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PINR PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2506 |
AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH MFA [...] (C) Summary: In her initial meeting with Foreign Minister (FM) Francisco Carrion on November 1, the Ambassador reaffirmed the importance of respecting constitutional bounds for reform, urged the MFA to revitalize the GOE inter-ministry working group on TIP, and reminded the FM that the GOE,s [...] |
2005-11-04 18:06:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PREL EC |
| 05QUITO254 |
ECUADOR: PROTESTS GROW, BUT GOVERNMENT STABLE [...] (SBU) Summary: The political scene is heating up again here, as pressure mounts on the government to reverse the overhaul of judicial institutions by the Ecuadorian congress. The opposition is preparing a major protest march in Quito for February 17. President Gutierrez' proposed referendum [...] |
2005-02-01 21:13:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2546 |
GOE SUPPORTS IRAN RESOLUTIONS [...] (SBU) PolChief delivered RefTel points on November 8 to Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs Mauricio MontalvoPer RefTel request, PolChief stressed the USG's hope that the GOE vote for the resolution on Iran's human rights record. After clarifying that the Third Committee resolution deals [...] |
2005-11-09 22:20:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PHUM EC UNHRC |
| 05QUITO2573 |
GOE STUDIES PERU MARITIME CLAIMS [...] (C) Summary: The Peruvian Congress' recent passage of maritime border legislation affecting Chile (Ref A) has sparked intense review by the GOE of the issue. Thus far, the GOE's official response has been cautious and measured, maintaining that the Peruvian measure does not affect the Ecuad [...] |
2005-11-10 22:06:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MARR PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO2574 |
MFA PLANS FOREIGN POLICY DIALOGUE [...] (SBU) Summary: FM Carrion has announced his intention to develop a foreign policy strategy for 2005-2020. He intends to build support for the strategy through a series of topical seminars over the coming year. End Summary. 2. (SBU) PolChief and PolOff met on November 8 with Ambassador J [...] |
2005-11-10 22:10:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL MARR CO PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO2577 |
GOE REQUESTS GENETIC RESOURCES CONTRACT FROM [...] Summary. The GOE has denied an American research company the right to publish data drawn from research on the biodiversity of microbial communities in the Galapagos Islands. The Ministry of Environment (MOE) determined that Venter Institute, which had obtained official permission to enter Ec [...] |
2005-11-10 22:22:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV ECON ETRD KIPR PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2578 |
PROCURADOR'S INVOLVEMENT IN OXY AND OTHER MATTERS [...] (C) Summary: At Occidental Petroleum's (Oxy) and the GOE's request, EconOffs met with Ecuador Solicitor General (Procurador General) Jose Maria Borja November 7, to lay the groundwork for Borja's buy-in to the ongoing discussions between Oxy and members of the GOE. Recently, Oxy has had its m [...] |
2005-11-10 22:50:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET ECON PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO2607 |
IRAN: GOE AGAINST NO ACTION, FAVORS UNSC REFERRAL [...] (C) The DCM delivered RefTel points on November 15 to MFA U/S for Multilateral Affairs Mauricio Montalvo, requesting GOE support in opposing the no action motion against the pending human rights resolution on Iran. The DCM stressed the importance of maintaining the Third Committee's credibil [...] |
2005-11-15 22:17:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM EC UNHRC |
| 05QUITO263 |
BANANA EXPORTERS CONTEST PROPOSED EU TARIFF [...] Summary. On January 26, Quito hosted a meeting of representatives from seven Latin American banana- exporting countries who oppose a recent European Union decision to impose a 230 Euro (US$ 300) per metric ton tariff on banana imports beginning in January 2006. The presidents of Guatemala, [...] |
2005-02-02 16:06:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD EAGR PGOV KDEM EC |
| 05QUITO2652 |
INDIGENOUS MARCH IN QUITO AGAINST FTA [...] (U) Summary: Approximately 1,000 indigenous from the provinces participated in mobilizations on November 16 and 17 organized by indigenous organization CONAIE against the free trade agreement (FTA) and the US-owned Occidental petroleum company, and in favor of a constituent assembly. Protest [...] |
2005-11-21 16:30:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PINR PREL ETRD EC FTA |
| 05QUITO2653 |
GALAPAGOS CALM, FOR NOW [...] Summary. Fishermen questioning the GOE's sincerity in finding economic alternatives for their sector walked out of a meeting of the Galapagos Inter-institutional Management Authority (AIM) on October 31. Recent progress bringing the fishing sector back into a productive dialogue on Galapagos [...] |
2005-11-21 16:30:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV EAID EFIS ECON PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2662 |
COLOMBIA OFFERS OLIVE BRANCH ON SPRAYING [...] (C) Summary: Ecuadorian Vice FM Diego Ribadeneira and Colombian Vice FM Comilo Reyes met in Quito on November 17 to review key bilateral issues for the December 7 ministerial meeting. As predicted, the meeting primarily focused on northern border security issues including migration, refugees [...] |
2005-11-21 21:45:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL MOPS PTER SNAR CO EC |
| 05QUITO2673 |
ECUADOR - AVIAN AND PANDEMIC INFLUENZA [...] Per reftel, post is providing the following information regarding the GOE's efforts to control Avian Influenza (AI) and its capability to respond to an influenza pandemic. The answers are keyed to reftel questions. A) PREPAREDNESS/COMMUNICATION -- The GOE began working on a preparedness [...] |
2005-11-21 21:45:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | TBIO SENV EAGR EAID ECON PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2677 |
FORMER SPANISH PRESIDENT AZNAR PROMOTES TRADE AND [...] (SBU) Summary: Former Spanish PM Aznar told the Ambassador on November 22 that the situation in Latin America is not good, and faulted the USG and Spain, the two countries with the most influence in the region, for lacking a plan to counter rising populism. Aznar was in Quito at the invitati [...] |
2005-11-21 21:45:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ETRD PREL PINR EC |
| 05QUITO2678 |
ECUADOR TO COOPERATE ON ANTI-SMUGGLING CASES [...] (U) Summary: Ecuador's top officials committed to working with U.S. law enforcement authorities to slow illegal immigration and put alien smugglers behind bars during a November 16-18 visit by DOJ prosecutors and DHS agents. The visit came just days after Ecuadorian police arrested a couple a [...] |
2005-11-25 12:31:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | KCRM PHUM PREL SMIG PBTS PGOV |
| 05QUITO2683 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR TRANSPORTATION SECURITY [...] Post welcomes and grants country clearance to Transportation Security Administration personnel Ismael C. Mike Galvan to Quito, Ecuador December 7-9, 2005 to attend exit briefings with host government and airport officials as a follow-up to the TSA airport assessment at Guayaquil. Embassy POC i [...] |
2005-11-25 20:37:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | EAIR |
| 05QUITO2685 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR FAA PERSONNEL - LORNA L. JOHN [...] Post welcomes and grants country clearance to Lorna L. John, Senior Attorney, International Affairs and Legal Policy Division, AGC-7, FAA, to Quito, Ecuador from November 28, 2005 - December 3, 2005, to review pending aviation law with the civil aviation authority. Embassy POC is Econ Officer [...] |
2005-11-21 19:32:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | OTRA ASEC EAIR |
| 05QUITO2699 |
ECUADOR ELECTIONS, ONE YEAR OUT [...] (SBU) Summary: Presidential and congressional elections are currently scheduled for October 2006, with a second round the following month. President Palacio's efforts to allow voters to decide by referendum between a constitutional or a special national assembly to make fundamental changes [...] |
2005-11-28 17:34:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KDEM PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO2706 |
SUPREME COURT SELECTED, FIRST STEP IN DEMOCRATIC [...] (SBU) Summary: Achieving a major democratic milestone and goal of the mission's democracy support strategy (RefTel), on November 28 a new, more independent Supreme Court was named unanimously by the special selection committee, permitting an inauguration ceremony to take place on November 30 [...] |
2005-11-29 15:09:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KJUS PREL EC OAS |
| 05QUITO2715 |
ECUADOR: MONITORS FOR BOLIVIAN ELECTIONS [...] (C) PolOff delivered RefTel points on November 29 to MFA Director of Bilateral Affairs Rafael Veintimilla. GOB diplomats declined our invitation to jointly deliver the points, but asked that we share the outcome. Veintimilla said that the GOE is supportive of the need to see Bolivia strengt [...] |
2005-11-30 15:26:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2724 |
MFA'S COOLER HEADS ON COLOMBIA, PERU [...] (C) Summary: Vice Foreign Minister Diego Ribadeneira told the Charge on November 30 that FM Francisco Carrion would like to pay an official visit to Washington in January or February. Ribadeneira, who took office in October when Carrion replaced outgoing FM Antonio Parra, highlighted the im [...] |
2005-11-30 22:29:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2725 |
UN CRITICIZES ECUADOR'S HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD [...] (SBU) Summary: The UN Committee Against Torture, which oversees countries' compliance with the Convention Against Torture, recently publicly announced that Ecuador needs to adopt a clear definition of the crime of torture and ensure investigation and punishment for acts of torture. The repor [...] |
2005-11-30 22:30:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PINR PREL PHUM EC |
| 05QUITO2729 |
GALAPAGOS TOURISM GROWTH A DELICATE BALANCE [...] Summary: Plans to expand tourism opportunities on the Galapagos island of Isabella are creating new economic alternatives for local fishing communities but raising the worst fears of conservationists. On November 10-12, a well- received USAID-led ecotourism project on Isabella brought togethe [...] |
2005-12-01 15:26:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV EAID EFIS ECON PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO2737 |
ECUADOR - INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT BLOCKAGE A DOMESTIC [...] Summary. The blocking of international telephone traffic from the United States to Ecuador over the past 18 months has less to do with the negotiating tactics referred to in reftel than with local political and economic interests. In Ecuador, the blocking of circuits to impede the termination [...] |
2005-12-01 21:15:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS ECON ETRD EINV EC |
| 05QUITO2743 |
TERRORIST FINANCING COORDINATING OFFICER [...] In response to reftel, Post,s Terrorist Finance Coordination Officer (TFCO) is DCM Jefferson Brown, telephone number 593-2-256-2890 ext. 4420. His unclassified email address is brownjt2@state.gov. The Deputy TFCO is Economic Officer Donn-Allan Titus, telephone number 593-2-256-2890 ext. 446 [...] |
2005-12-02 13:14:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | KTFN PTER EFIN ETTC KVPR PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2746 |
ECUADOR-CHILE: PRESIDENTS SIGN JOINT DECLARATION [...] Summary: During a six hour visit to Ecuador on December 1, Chile's President Ricardo Lagos and President Alfredo Palacio signed seven bilateral agreements and issued a declaration on maritime limits between South American countries on the Pacific. The declaration echoed statements made by b [...] |
2005-12-02 17:18:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PINR PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2747 |
ECUADOR LABOR UPDATE [...] Summary: Following are recent labor-related developments of interest: -- ILO Advisors to Ecuador Named (para. 2) -- Ambassador Highlights Labor Concerns (3) -- Additional Child Labor Inspectors Hired (4) -- Newspapers Highlight Child Labor (5) -- Banana Labor Dispute Update (6) -- Number [...] |
2005-12-02 17:19:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO2748 |
PRESIDENT PUSHES "PLAN B" FOR REFERENDUM [...] (C) Summary: After being rebuffed by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and Congress, President Palacio on December 1 announced he had issued a decree ordering the Supreme Electoral Tribunal to hold a referendum on January 22. The referendum would ask voters whether to convoke a national assem [...] |
2005-12-02 19:58:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PREL EC |
| 05QUITO2750 |
ECUADOR REVIEW REGARDING TITLE III OF THE LIBERTAD [...] (C) In response to reftel request, Post provides the following information regarding trade and other relations between Ecuador and Cuba. Trade between the two countries is not extensive. In 2004, Ecuador exports to Cuba, mostly oil, totaled $14,437,920 (CIF) and Ecuadorian imports from Cuba [...] |
2005-12-02 20:48:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | ETRD PREL CU EC |
| 05QUITO2762 |
Ecuador Focused on TIP [...] Summary: Ecuadorian leaders have recently shown renewed vigor in their effort to battle trafficking in persons and help trafficking victims. Under the direction of Ecuador's First Lady, Maria Paret de Palacio, the government-funded child and family welfare agency INNFA is leading the charge. [...] |
2005-12-07 21:18:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PREL PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO2765 |
GOE LETTERS TO SECRETARY RICE AND USTR PORTMAN [...] No summary [...] |
2005-12-08 13:39:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EAGR PREL EC WTO |
| 05QUITO2795 |
ENGAGING ECUADOR ON BOLIVIA [...] (C) Summary: The DCM expressed USG concerns about the potential effects of upcoming Bolivian elections with Vice Foreign Minister Diego Ribadeneira, who offered his personal views on the subject. End Summary. 2. (U) After expressing USG concerns about the potential for destabilizing eff [...] |
2005-12-08 22:10:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL BO EC |
| 05QUITO280 |
ECUADOR FAVORING CHILEAN FOR OAS SYG [...] In response to Ref A, Ambassador discussed the upcoming OAS Secretary General election during her February 3 meeting with Ecuador President Lucio Gutierrez. Gutierrez mentioned that former El Salvador President Paco Flores, whom the United States backed for the OAS position, would soon visit [...] |
2005-02-04 13:45:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC PREL EC ES |
| 05QUITO2814 |
FIRST LADY: CABINET SHAKEUP COMING SOON [...] (C) Summary: First Lady Maria Paret de Palacio called on the Ambassador on December 9 to share President Palacio's intended Cabinet changes in advance of a public announcement which she implied was imminent. The First Lady said Palacio wished to assure the USG that Alfredo Castillo, his choi [...] |
2005-12-09 23:02:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PREL ECON EC |
| 05QUITO282 |
GUTIERREZ (AGAIN) RECONSIDERING AMBASSADORIAL [...] (C) Despite Lucio Gutierrez informing a nationwide TV audience January 3 that MFA diplomat Roberto Betancourt was his choice to head Ecuador's embassy in Washington (Ref A), the Ecuadorian president is now having second (actually, third) thoughts. At their February 3 meeting, Gutierrez told [...] |
2005-02-04 14:38:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EC |
| 05QUITO2822 |
ECUADOR-COLOMBIA TALKS ADVANCE ON BROAD RANGE OF [...] (C) Summary: The meeting between FM Francisco Carrion and his Colombian counterpart Carolina Barco which took place here on December 7 is being touted by the GOE and the Colombian Embassy here as a success. Both governments committed to increasing security measures along the border region, [...] |
2005-12-12 19:37:00 | Embassy Quito | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MARR MOPS MASS SNAR PTER EC CO |
| 05QUITO2836 |
ECUADOR RE-ENTERS BOND MARKET [...] Summary. Ecuador successfully placed about $650 million in bonds on December 7, marking its first return to the private international finance market since its 1999 default. According to Minister of Economy and Finance Magdalena Barreiro, Ecuador will use the proceeds to buy back higher price [...] |
2005-12-13 18:31:00 | Embassy Quito | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ECON EINV EC |
| 05QUITO2841 |
MEDIA REACTION: ANDEAN FREE TRADE [...] "Peru's Decision on the FTA," an editorial (12/10) in Quito's leading centrist "El Comercio" (circ. 70,000) Quote: " . . . let's hope that Peru's decision and the upcoming Colombian one serve as an alert as to the huge risk [involved] in being left on the margins of neighbors that accept [...] |
2005-12-14 19:39:00 | Embassy Quito | ||