OAS Welcomes Deal Between Ecuador Gov't, Protesters

The Organization of American States (OAS) has approved a declaration on the defense of democracy and social peace in Ecuador, a country that recently went through a political crisis.

"The approved declaration welcomes the agreement reached on October 13, 2019, by the Government of Ecuador and indigenous organizations, with the good offices of the United Nations Office in Quito and the Episcopal Conference, which has restored peace and tranquility in the country," the organization said in a statement after a special meeting Tuesday.

The OAS expressed support "for the democratic regime in Ecuador, its legitimately constituted government and its President Lenin Moreno Garces."

The declaration was approved by all 35 independent states of the Americas after a presentation given by Jose Valencia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador, who detailed the events that occurred in recent days in his country.

According to the statement, the document also urges the Ecuadorian government and people "to maintain a robust defense of the democratic order, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, which constitute the best guarantees for peace and social progress in freedom of the nations of the Americas."

"Any action aimed at destabilizing the legitimately established government and the rule of law, as well as any kind of interference that alters democracy and peaceful coexistence in Ecuador" are rejected, the declaration said.

OAS also condemned all acts of vandalism that occurred in recent days.

The Ecuadorian government and protesters led by indigenous organizations on late Sunday reached a deal to cancel an International Monetary Fund (IMF) package to put an end to the ongoing protests.

A nationwide strike by transport workers and taxi drivers against the elimination of the subsidies by the government on Oct. 1 led to protests and violence.

The government announced the austerity measures as part of an agreement with the IMF to obtain loans.

Under the deal, the government will revoke the IMF package that includes a sharp rise in the price of gasoline and diesel fuel and streets will be cleared of protesters. -