E-015/2000
January 21, 2000  

 

OAS PERMANENT COUNCIL GIVES FULL AND
DECISIVE SUPPORT TO GOVERNMENT OF ECUADOR
 

The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) today expressed its full and decisive support for the Ecuadorian government headed by President Jamil Mahuad and called on all sectors of society to respect the rule of law.

Meeting in special session, the Permanent Council strongly condemned this attack on democracy, expressing its concern at the grave political situation in Ecuador as well as the consequences that could stem from any attempt to destabilize the democratic system in that country.

The resolution asks OAS Secretary General César Gaviria to remain in constant contact with the constitutionally elected government of Ecuador and to report on developments as soon as possible to the Permanent Council.

The resolution was adopted after Ecuadorian Ambassador Patricio Vivanco addressed the Permanent Council on events in his country. The meeting was convened at the request of Ambassador Vivanco, and supported by the governments of the Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, México and United States.