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ECUADOROil losses 'worse than any war' A truce between demonstrators and the government restored calm Aug. 21 to Ecuador's northeast Amazon region, following days of violent protests that brought the country's oil production to a standstill. A state of emergency declared Aug. 17 remained in place for the Sucumbios and Orellana provinces where residents had taken over two airports, blocked roads and sabotaged oil facilities. The demonstrators were demanding that oil companies hire more local residents and make income tax and royalty payments directly to local government coffers. After President Alfredo Palacio declared a state of emergency, police and soldiers moved forcefully to quell the protests, arresting some local officials and retaking control of the region. The protests brought the country's oil production to a halt. State-run oil company Petroecuador said Aug. 20 that it had restored some output but would not be able to return to normal until October and estimated the disruption will cost more than $443 million. Energy Minister Ivan Rodriguez described the economic impact as "worse than any war."
The Japan Times Weekly: Aug. 27, 2005 |
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