Ecuador's defense minister resigns amid Colombia crisis
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/story/488848.html
Posted on Wed, Apr. 09, 2008
Ecuador's defense minister resigns amid Colombia crisis
Ecuador's defense minister has resigned unexpectedly in the midst of a crisis in relations with neighboring Colombia over its cross-border raid on a FARC rebel camp.
Deputy Defense Minister Miguel Carvajal on Wednesday confirmed the resignation of Wellington Sandoval, a doctor by training. Officials gave no reason for the resignation.
Carvajal said new Defense Minister Javier Ponce probably would be sworn in later Wednesday.
Ponce is a journalist who has been serving as leftist President Rafael Correa's personal secretary.
Sandoval made controversial statements after Colombia's March 1 cross-border raid on a camp of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, that killed a key rebel leader and 24 others. The attack led Ecuador to break diplomatic relations with its neighbor.
Sandoval said the army planned to send reinforcements to the border to keep out rebels, a position that appeared to clash with Correa's position that Colombia should be responsible for keeping the rebels from crossing into Ecuador.
Sandoval's fate most likely was sealed when Correa became outraged that military intelligence had apparently advised Colombian officials -- and not him -- about an Ecuadorean's contacts with the rebels. The man was killed in the raid.
Correa said he had to learn about the contacts from media reports and he accused Ecuador's intelligence services of being infiltrated and controlled by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.
His government has announced a civilian investigation into foreign influence in Ecuador's military intelligence services.
Correa's attacks apparently provoked discontent in military circles.
In a communique Tuesday, the armed forces joint command said it had requested a meeting with Correa to ''maintain a direct and transparent dialogue'' on the issue and ``avoid putting at risk the nation's security and stability.''
By sloopskipper on Apr 9, 2008, 09:55 in Politics & the war.
|
|
romy says on Apr 9, 2008, 11:23:
Miércoles, 09 de Abril de 2008
Colombia lamenta, pero respeta cambio de ministro ecuatoriano de Defensa (http://www.unionradio.com.ve/Noticias/Noticia.aspx?noticiaid=237496)
EFE -
El ministro colombiano de Relaciones Exteriores, Fernando Araújo, lamentó hoy la salida del ministro de Defensa de Ecuador, Wellington Sandoval, aunque subrayó que el cambio es una decisión interna de ese país que Colombia respeta.
El presidente de Ecuador, Rafael Correa, reemplazó hoy a Sandoval por su secretario particular, Javier Ponce, una decisión que, según medios ecuatorianos, puede estar relacionada con fallos en el proceso de información en medio de la crisis diplomática con Colombia.
"No hacemos ningún tipo de comentario sobre asuntos internos del Gobierno de Ecuador", manifestó el canciller colombiano a los periodistas.
"Lamentamos el retiro (de Sandoval), pero ellos tendrán razones para hacerlo", expresó Araújo, quien subrayó que Colombia "nunca se sintió incómoda" con el ministro saliente.
Precisamente el titular de Exteriores recibió hoy a la misión de la Organización de Estados Americanos (OEA) que busca soluciones a la crisis desatada entre Colombia y Ecuador a raíz de una incursión de tropas colombianas a territorio ecuatoriano el pasado 1 de marzo.
En esa operación, que llevó a Quito a romper las relaciones diplomáticas con Bogotá, murió el número dos de Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), alias "Raúl Reyes", y otras 25 personas, entre ellas un ecuatoriano Franklin Aisalla.
La misión de la OEA llegó procedente de Ecuador, donde realizó gestiones similares hasta este martes.
0 funny, 0 helpful.
|
|
|
Tinto (Moderator) says on Apr 9, 2008, 11:26:
Ah, the (incompetent) CIA is behind everything? Correa is learning well from Castro: Blame all your ills on someone who won't respond.
0 funny, 0 helpful.
|
|
|
billyb says on Apr 9, 2008, 13:27:
There is some serious CYA going on in our beloved neighbor to the south.
0 funny, 0 helpful.
|
|
|
azunoman says on Apr 9, 2008, 14:13:
uh...one Ecuadorian killed on Reyes bombing...Missed opportunity to crush the FARC when Valenzuela and Ecuador initially mobilized troops after the Reyes bombing, rather than all three countries putting an end to what affects each others borders...they squandered it. Doh!
I am sure Ecuador is more concerned about their northern border than Venezuela is of their west, given the location of Quito. Until the FARC is defeated and completely disbanded any economic development of souther Colombia and norther Ecuador just not going to happen.
I was in Medellin the day of the Reyes bombing...Correa initially stated that he approved it. Well Uncle deep pockets (bonds) Chavez really must have reamed Correa. Correa soon after miraculously changed his mind about the entire afffair and pulled the party line. Correa must get bitched at a lot given they use the US dollar and have a US Air Force Base. Wonder if Chavez can really get Correa to kick them out next year. Dobut it...it's the economy stupid...rambled on did I?
Ready, Fire, Aim
0 funny, 0 helpful.
|
|
|
poco says on Apr 9, 2008, 14:22:
Quote: Well Uncle deep pockets (bonds) Chavez really must have reamed Correa.
Nope,, Castro got wind of the imported Colombian dildos chavez was using to make Correa squeel like a pig and asked it to end.
The computer helped. Ha, if I had a computer (even if I didn't) you can bet it would leak at a slow rate,, let it leak, yep,, a leaky computer. Plausible deniability for Colombia,, a big fear factor for others.
"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov
0 funny, 0 helpful.
|
|
|
azunoman says on Apr 9, 2008, 14:26:
poco...right on...at least Colombia would have used a lubricant. I should have claimed to have my x-wifes lap top before the divorce.
Ready, Fire, Aim
0 funny, 0 helpful.
|
|
|
romy says on Apr 9, 2008, 14:26:
Azunoman, Correa never approved the attack.
0 funny, 0 helpful.
|
|
|
azunoman says on Apr 9, 2008, 14:30:
romy...Correa was informed and stated as much right after the bombing. That was how it was translated to me by the waiters at the Sheraton El Poblado. I remember quite clearly because it struck me how quickly he changed his mind once it was known it as two or so miles inside his border. Granted I make the assumption that Uncle Chavez called and beat him around the head and shoulders because Correa the next day looked like he been up being berated by dad all night.
I really in any case don't think he cared if all the FARC has been snuffed as its not just a plague for Colombia, which I think is the more important point. But pleas rest assured that Chavez does in fact yield lots of economic power, he is the little Bush of S. America.
Ready, Fire, Aim
0 funny, 0 helpful.
|
|
|
romy says on Apr 9, 2008, 14:42:
Chavez is on a mission to increase his influence in South America and that's no mystery. And I believe Correa could care less about the FARC or Colombia.
I just don't think he had a change in stance, as I follow current events fairly closely and have never seen evidence for such a claim (though many people have suggested this).
0 funny, 0 helpful.
|
|
|
azunoman says on Apr 9, 2008, 14:51:
romry...being an english speaker it would be difficult for me on my own to find his initial statements...but as I understood it...Colombian government informed him of their intentions, just not that they would be actually in Ecuador.
Actually I like Chavez, always have, they needed someone like him to retake their nations natural resources from 'the man'. While not drawing direct parallels between him and Bolivar...someone with same beliefs is needed in many parts of S. America.
When I see stories where a grandmother in a remote pueblo is diagnosed locally, then transported to hospital, to remove cataracts (and the stories are plentiful) so she can see...it's a beautiful thing.
Like you, I try to follow current events...well...we can only follow what is reported. I think media there is much like media here...it is about the bad...not the good. Our press is not going to be kind to Chavez because it is easier to mis-translate (on purpose) a leaders remarks in English....given that spanish is for speaking to the gods, english is for talking to the dogs (Sandra Cisneros). Cheers....my mexican law crew is here!
Ready, Fire, Aim
0 funny, 0 helpful.
|
|
|
Sam Salmon says on Apr 9, 2008, 18:12:
Correa has all kinds of political problems and Ecuadorean presidents generally have a short shelf life.....
' a la orden!'
0 funny, 0 helpful.
|
|
|
billyb says on Apr 9, 2008, 19:03:
Looks like the problems are only just starting for our worthy brother from on south, jajaja. Lesson #1, thow shalt not fucketh with Colombia.
Ecuador's military chiefs resign
Gen Vasconez (L) said the president had questioned the military's behaviour
Ecuador's top four military commanders have resigned after the president accused the military of aiding the US in operations against Farc rebels.
General Guillermo Vasconez, the head of the army, said all four had resigned because President Rafael Correa had questioned the military's behaviour.
The resignations came hours after Defence Minister Wellington Sandoval stepped down without explanation.
Mr Correa claimed last week the CIA had been manipulating his spy agencies.
The commanders of the army, navy and air force, as well as the chief of staff, had all stood down, Gen Vasconez said.
"We have sent the president our resignation letters... because of the questioning of the behaviour of the military and I don't agree with that," said Gen Vasconez.
Ecuador is in the midst a diplomatic row with neighbouring Colombia following a raid by its forces on rebels inside Ecuador last month.
Farc guerrilla leader Raul Reyes was among 25 people killed in the attack, which sparked fears of a regional war.
0 funny, 0 helpful.
|
|
|
Monpirri says on Apr 12, 2008, 06:37:
I was watching the news last night "Galavision" President Correa is visiting his new friend President Calderon in Mexico.
President of Ecuador offered free visas to all mexicans on May 1
Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008
0 funny, 0 helpful.
|
|
|
romy says on Apr 12, 2008, 09:31:
Ecuador quiere superar la crisis con Colombia (http://www.laopinion.com/latinoamerica/?rkey=00000000000003647220)
Gardenia Mendoza Aguilar
Corresponsal de La Opinión
12 de abril de 2008
MÉXICO, D.F.- El presidente de Ecuador, Rafael Correa, se pronunció ayer por buscar "la superación definitiva del grave incidente" por la incursión del Ejército colombiano para atacar un campamento de las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) el pasado 1 de marzo.
"Por el bien de la región y el bien del pueblo colombiano y ecuatoriano", pidió durante un discurso pronunciado en un encuentro con su homólogo Felipe Calderón durante la visita de Estado en territorio mexicano.
El mandatario sudamericano reiteró sus "más sentidas condolencias a las familias de los estudiantes mexicanos que murieron durante el ataque colombiano: Fernando Franco, Soren Avilés, Juan González y Verónica Velásquez.
Con relación a la sobreviviente Lucía Morett —que asegura que se encontraba realizando un análisis académico de la guerrilla—, Correa dijo que "la hemos tratado con esa solidaridad y ese humanismo que, estoy seguro, el pueblo mexicano hubiera brindado a un hermano ecuatoriano en similares condiciones".
Sobre el tema, Calderón agradeció al ejecutivo colombiano por el apoyo brindado a Morett y a los familiares que se trasladaron a Ecuador para reconocer y repatriar los restos de los mexicanos caídos en aquella zona.
También reiteró que coadyuvará con las investigaciones y refrendó el rechazo de su gobierno "a la injerencia en territorio ecuatoriano de las Fuerzas Armadas colombianas".
Además del conflicto entre Ecuador y Colombia, los mandatarios tocaron temas como el migratorio. Correa había llegado a México con el propósito de "derribar muros" y de manera unilateral anunció la supresión del requisito de visa para los nacionales mexicanos que ingresen al Ecuador en calidad de turistas, por un lapso hasta de 90 días.
Destacó que "las potencialidades de colaboración y cooperación bilateral entre Ecuador y México son inmensas, y no sólo en el plano comercial, donde también hay grandes potencialidades", anunció el ecuatoriano.
Se suscribió también convenios educativos, culturales y deportivos y el Tratado sobre Ejecución de Sentencias Penales, que busca coadyuvar a la rehabilitación de las personas condenadas y concluir sus sentencias respectivas en el país de origen.
Mientras Calderón se movía en los ámbitos diplomáticos, el Legislativo llevaba su propia lucha por despejar las tribunas de las Cámaras de Diputados y Senadores, tomadas el jueves por congresistas de izquierda por considerar que la propuesta de reforma energética del presidente Calderón busca privatizar la paraestatal Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex).
Por la mañana, Santiago Creel , líder de la bancada del oficialista Partido Acción Nacional (PAN) no se presentó a reunión de la mesa directiva y los acuerdos no pudieron concretarse. Será hasta el próximo lunes cuando retomen las negociaciones para destrabar los tiempos que den viabilidad a la propuesta sobre un debate nacional sobre la reforma energética.
En tanto, el Frente Amplio Progresista (FAP) integrado por las tres corrientes de izquierda con representación en el Congreso: el Partido de la Revolución Democrática (PRD), el Partido del Trabajo (PT) y Covergencia anunciaron que la tribuna continuará bloqueada.
En la Cámara de Diputados reforzaron las barricadas en las escaleras que llevan a la mesa directiva utilizando los sillones de las curules; en el Senado sólo vigilan los accesos.
Por la tarde, las "adelitas", el grupo de mujeres que acordonaban Xicotencatl —el recinto de la Cámara Alta— anunciaron su retirada luego de ocho horas de guardia con bailes al ritmo del merengue, regué y cumbia; ejercicios aeróbicos y cantos a la industria petrolera en manos de todos los mexicanos.
Continuaron su marcha para gritar improperios frente a las instalaciones de la televisora Televisa por ser "parcial" y se dispersaron.
Prometieron volver el domingo para apoyar el mitin del ex candidato presidencial Andrés Manuel López Obrador, quien es el gurú del movimiento contra la privatización de Pemex.
0 funny, 0 helpful.
|
|
|
Monpirri says on Apr 12, 2008, 09:57:
May 1 is the date I heard it on the live interview on 'Galavision'
Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008
0 funny, 0 helpful.
|
More posts by the same author:
Colombian soccer teams suspected of laundering drug money 9
Antinarcotics efforts arrive in the Caribbean onboard ships and submersibles 0
Stadium collapses during bullfight 8
Bolivia: Helicopter Used by President Crashes 0
Philadelphia Streets Unsafe for Manhole Covers 0
Colombia FARC rebels: We'll never disarm - Summary 16
Anti-sub training goes global in TR workups 0
Venezuela President Chavez Seeks To Mend Ties With Spanish King 1
Colombia rebels seize 10 hostages 25
Uribe, Lula, García to discuss road, fluvial connectivity - Regional 12
Chavez Pleads for Investment as Falling Output Fuels Inflation 6
Nicaragua's Farc offer rebuffed 0
Nicaragua's Ortega to Help Colombia Rebels Negotiate (Update2) 9
Mexico seizes drug submarine in Pacific 25
Ecuadorian leader calls FARC rescue lucky 22
Switzerland Asks Colombia to Stop Harassing Swiss Mediator 5
Betancourt gets French award at Bastille Day celebrations 14
Colombia's hostage rescue plotters kept U.S. out of loop 4
Colombia moves forward to conduct dialogue with FARC 0
When the Phone Goes With You, Everyone Else Can Tag Along 0
