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OAS REVIEWS POLITICAL SITUATION IN ECUADOR

Ecuador’s Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS), Marcelo Hervas, addressing the Permanent Council today on the political developments in his country, reported that the government is proposing to consult the people directly on the election of new judges to the Supreme Court of Justice. He referred to initiatives to amend the Organic Law on Judicial Functions, among others, to settle the current political crisis that is also engaging the nation’s Congress.

Ambassador Hervas explained that the state of emergency put in place around Quito on April 15 was intended to bolster the democratic system and internal security. The country’s President lifted that measure the following day as the circumstances no longer called for it.

“The Executive Branch thus believes significant progress has been made towards resolving the political crisis that has beset the country for the past four months. Particular progress has been noted in depoliticizing the nation’s justice administration system,” Ambassador Hervas told the Permanent Council, chaired by Peru’s Ambassador Alberto Borea. “The general public is clamoring for the courts to be depoliticized, to ensure they remain independent. The opposition, the government and civil society all agree on this.”

Hervas further called for constructive dialogue surrounding how new judges should be appointed, warning against political interference in the appointment of new judges to the Supreme Court of Justice. He reiterated the OAS Permanent Council’s call for national consensus and political stability.

The Ecuadorian diplomat also underscored the “deep democratic consciousness” which, he said, characterizes the Ecuadorian people and the government alike, and said it “fosters consolidation of the democratic system and progress, without exception.” He said distorted views of Ecuador should be avoided because “the latest political demonstrations—both supporting and against the government—are in fact democratic expressions.”

In his presentation to the member state ambassadors, Hervas noted that his government remains open to dialogue. “It has been making clear and repeated calls for harmony and non-sectarian consensus that embraces all democratic segments of society.”

Meanwhile, the Permanent Council endorsed a Joint Communiqué the Foreign Ministers of the South American Countries issued in Brasilia yesterday concerning the situation in Ecuador. The statement reads as follows:

“The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the South American Countries express their concern over the political crisis facing Ecuador and call on the branches of government as well as civil society and the political sectors of Ecuador to make every effort to reconcile their positions in the quest for a solution through open dialogue towards national consensus, while respecting the institutional system and the democratic order as enshrined in the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

“The Foreign Ministers of the South American Community of Nations reiterate their position that respect for governments elected by popular will and for the rule of law are indispensable to stability, peace and development in our countries.”

Reference: E-074/05