Protests Erupt in Ecuador; Soldiers Seize Main Airport
VOA News
30 September 2010
Angry troops and police officers are taking to the streets of Ecuador, protesting a new round of budget cuts targeting their salaries and benefits.
Troops seized the country's main airport Thursday, while police officers burned tires in the streets and shut down several highways leading to the capital of Quito.
There were also reports of protests in Guayaquil and other cities, but Ecuador's military chief insisted Thursday the country's armed forces remain loyal to President Rafael Correa.
Mr. Correa appealed for calm, speaking directly to protesters at one of the capital's main military installations. Still, he refused to back down, saying the spending cuts are being put into place across all government sectors.
Mr. Correa took power in 2007 and was reelected last year after the country approved a new constitution.
The Ecuadorian leader is an ally of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and, like the Venezuelan leader, has been critical of U.S. policy in Latin America.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
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