MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Ecuador's new ruler under strong diplomatic pressure

Doubts about the legitimacy and future steps of Ecuador's new administration were confirmed Monday by the European Union statement recognizing “the new government, and the previous government”, until the political and social situation of the country “returns to normal”.

Javier Solana, EU Foreign Policy High Representative speaking from Luxemburg following a meeting of EU Foreign Affairs ministers added that Europe wants a "dialogued and peaceful" solution to the current Ecuadorian situation under Alfredo Palacio named president after the ousting of president Lucio Gutierrez exiled in Brazil.

"Until the situation is not entirely clear, what we're doing is recognizing the country, which is a fraternal country and a friend, and see if we can find a mechanism to help it advance democratically", added Mr. Solana who revealed permanent and concerted cooperation contacts between the EU, the Organization of American States, other actors and the current Ecuadorian government. "We expect a quick political and social normalization of the situation".

In Quito, Ecuador capital president Palacio said that "relations of my government with all the nations of the world will be completely open and fraternal". Mr. Palacio who was scheduled to meet with U.S. Ambassador Kristi Kenney anticipated he would assure Washington's representative that the "spirit of brotherhood that Ecuador has towards all peoples of the world, particularly the American people, remains perfectly clear".

Although the U.S. government still has not recognized the Palacio administration, he referred to the United States as a "brotherly country" and expressed his hope that bilateral relations would remain "good and strong"

He also promised to respect all international agreements, including the one governing the United States military base in Manta where American troops are involved in regional anti-drug traffic activities. As long as Manta continues as an anti-drug war position, "Ecuador will remain in (the) struggle", underlined Mr. Palacio.

Further on the new president said that "the world's concern over Ecuador is logical" because changing a president before the end of his term "is not normal". But he also emphasized it was not normal "to trample the Constitution, human rights, to emphasize economic over social interests increasing the misery of the people" in direct reference to the 27 months in office of sacked president Gutierrez.

Mr. Palacio made it a point to stress that relations between Ecuador and Brazil have not been tarnished by the territorial asylum granted to Mr. Gutierrez.

Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Antonio Parra Gil announced a delegation from the Organization of American States was coming to talk and cooperate in areas "where they can help achieve better constitutional institutions, improve governance, but under no circumstances to evaluate". The OAS delegation allegedly will be suggesting the Palacio administration early elections to legitimize the political process.

Mr. Palacio since taking office has insisted he will rule with a national unity government during the 20 months remaining of Mr. Gutierrez original mandate.