State of emergency declared in Ecuador

Press TV, Thursday, September 30, 2010, 9:47PM

 A state of emergency has been declared in Ecuador leading to military takeover of functions of the police who have staged a rebellion over reduced bonuses.

Groups of police officers in Ecuador have reportedly attempted to overthrow President Rafael Correa, protesting a recent legislation that would reduce bonuses and benefits currently extended to law enforcement personnel.

Correa declared a state of emergency on Thursday, after an attempted coups d'etat was reported, as some police officers stormed the Congress and seized the international airport in the capital, Quito.

The unrest reportedly spread to other parts of the country as groups of police officers fired tear gas and burned tires after taking over barracks in Quito, Guayaquil and other cities. They have also blocked highways to the capital and shut down airports.

Army Commander General Ernesto Gonzalez has condemned the unrest and announced his support for the president.

Security Minister Miguel Carvajal has also declared that the military will take over the functions of the police that have taken part in the rebellion.

President Correa has reportedly been taken to a hospital after being shoved and pelted with tear gas and water when he tried to address a crowd of protesting police officers at the main police headquarters.

He was quoted by the press as saying, "Comrades, if you want to kill the president, here he is! Kill me! Kill the health system, kill our values, kill the fight for freedom. We will continue with one policy of justice and dignity… We will not back down. If you want to take over the barracks, if you want to pile on the pressure, then pile it on. This president and this government will do what it has to do."

Schools have also been reported shut down in Quito along with many businesses.

Additionally, looting has been reported in the capital due to the absence of police protection, as two banks have been robbed.

The rebellion was triggered by a legislation passed in the country's Congress on Wednesday ending the practice of granting military and police medals and bonuses with each promotion and extending from five to seven years the period required for a promotion.

MGH/LF/MB

Ecuadorian President denounces "coup attempt"

QUITO, Sept. 30, 2010 (Xinhua) --

 Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa said Thursday that he was "kidnapped" in a military hospital of Quito and the police protest was a coup attempt.

Meanwhile, leader of the ruling party Country Alliance (AP) Orlando Perez said that the joint command of the Armed Forces had expressed its support to Correa.

Hundreds of policemen staged a protest on Thursday, occupied the airport and blocked the communications. They protested against a law which will cut their benefits.

Correa and his government have not been able to carry out any actions to stop the protests, which began on Thursday early morning when the policemen occupied the first Regiment Quito, one of the main police quarters.

The protest was joined by some troops and policemen, who have blocked highways in Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca and other cities.

Despite some troops have joined the protests, the Army commanders have expressed their support to Correa.

As the protests began, Correa and Interior Minister Gustavo Jalkh went to Quito Quarters to talk with the policemen, however, as it was impossible for them to establish a dialogue with the protesters, Correa and Jalkh had to leave.

Correa later was taken to the Police Hospital of Quito as he was injured by the tear gas which was thrown by the protesters.

Foreign Minister Riardo Patino said, "President Correa is in the Police Hospital and he told us that there were people trying to get inside through the roof to affect him."

Also some 150 members of the Ecuadorian Air Forces (FAE) occupied the international airport of Quito, impeding the normal operation of national and international flights.

Editor: Mu Xuequan