FBI-INDIAN STANDOFF HOAX SPARKS REVOLT OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE ECUADOR
Dear Friends,
It seems there were some errors in my previous report on the Pine Ridge SD Indian Reservation takeover as I mixed material I heard directly by phone from the people involved with other things reported earlier by e-mail that might have been in error. Nevertheless positive things seem to be going on there and now also in Ecuador. Visualize a peaceful transition.
I was told by Eileen Janis at the scene of their takeover (Pine Ridge, SD 605-867-5303 when they have time to answer) that a pastor in Ecuador called them and said the revolt of indigenous peoples there was in some way sparked by hearing of the Pine Ridge take-over.
So, now we hear that though the revolt in Ecuador was not as peaceful as in Pine Ridge (some were shot by the government troops there) it appears that some of the Ecuadorian military is siding with the people at this time and that the liberation of the country is going forward peacefully so far. I expect we will hear more on the news, but this is what I have now:
Ecuador: Contingent of Military Backs Seizing of National Congress (LAST MINUTE)
By Pablo Teran P.
QUITO, Ecuador.- A contingent of Ecuadoran military under the command of Colonel Lucio Gutierrez supports the seizing of the Congreso Nacional (National Congress) carried out early in the morning today by the Ecuadoran indigenous people. The head of the Armed Forces made clear that this suppport does not include the entire military forces of Ecuador.
The Ecuadoran indigenous people took the Congreso Nacional around 10:00 local time this Friday. Among their first statements, the indigeneous people, rural citizens, groups of the populace at large and a contingent of military declared the formation of a Junta de Salvacion Nacional (Junta for National Salvation).
Colonel Lucio Gutierrez, who heads the Junta de Salvacion Nacional, in his first decree disavowed the three powers of State in Ecuador: executive, legislative and judicial. At the same time, the Junta gave an order preventing President Jamil Mahuad from leaving the country.
The President of the indigenous peoples, Antonio Vargas, was put in charge of the presidency of the Congreso Nacional.
Meanwhile, it was learned through official channels that President Mahuad remains holed up in the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) without making any pronouncements. The environs of the Palacio de Gobierno are being protected by a strong contingent of military and by snipers posted on the tall buildings in the area.
Colonel Lucio Gutierrez, who presides over the Junta de Salvacion Nacional, is highly respected within the Armed Forces. In addition, he hold several degrees, which bear witness to his academic training. Gutierrez's responsibility would be to govern Ecuador during the transition to a democratic form of government.
According to last minute reports, the General de Divison of the Army of Ecuador, General Carlos Moncayo Gallegos, would have given the order for the military that was guarding the Congreso to withdraw and allow the indigenous peoples to take over the Congreso Nacional peacefully. Moncayo said that the takeover is a manifestation of national discontent.
Meanwhile, Juan Jose Pons, up to now President of the Congreso Nacional, called for a special congressional meeting at the offices of the Central Bank in Guayaquil on Saturday at 10:00. Juan Jose Pons disavowed the military contingent that supported the indigenous people in their takeover of the Congreso of Ecuador.
While this was taking place at the Congreso Nacional, another group was attempting to get to the Presidencia of Ecuador (the residence of the President). It has been confirmed that President Jamil Mahuad remains inside the Palacio de Gobierno, uninformed about the social protest of some 30,000 indigenous people present in Ecuador.
END