Chaos Reigns in Ecuadorian Capital Quito, Apr 20 (Prensa Latina) Chaos has overtaken Ecuador after Congress ousted President Lucio Gutierrez, passing leadership of the government over to Vice President Alfredo Palacio. Thousands of students shouting "Out with Lucio", "We want Everyone Out " clashed with police blocking their access to Carondelet Palace (government house), stoning the anti-riot forces that tried to disperse them with tear gas. After the police learnt of Gutierrez"s removal, they allowed the protesters to go ahead and now thousands of people are concentrated at the Plaza de la Independencia (seat of the Government). Another groups took over the International Center for Higher Studies on Communications for Latin America (CIESPAL), demanding for the resignation of Congress and the new President, claiming that they would not be fooled. Meanwhile Palacio and the legislators are hiding somewhere in the building. Several allies of the deposed President who sought refuge at the Social Welfare Ministry clashed with the mob, who set the building ablaze. The Police arrested 25 but had to face up to a mob ready to lynch the detainees. Just like CIESPAL, the Ministry has been sacked. Adding to the confusion, public transport is not functioning and thousands of Ecuadorians are roaming the streets shouting against the political class. Nearly 3,000 people invaded the Mariscal Sucre international airport and prevented the ex-Head of State from fleeing the country, forcing him to return to the chopper that brought him here and to fly eastward, but the media said that so far he has not left the couintry. The Attorney"s office has issued an arrest warrant for Lucio Gutierrez for "major offences" related to the developments to led to his removal. sus/emw/lgo/jwp |