Rafael Correa AP PHOTO

In a Jan. 15 ceremony the U.S.-educated economist was sworn in as the newest member of Latin America's club of leftist leaders.

Correa, who won election in November, said he would work for an "economic revolution" in Ecuador that would emphasize the renegotiating of foreign debt, "paying what we can after attending to the needs of the poor."

And in keeping with a campaign promise to seek a new constitution, Correa issued a decree calling for a national referendum March 18 on the need for a constitutional assembly.

The Japan Times Weekly: Jan. 20, 2007
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