Latin American leaders concerned over situation in Ecuador
 Leaders of Latin American countries expressed concerns Wednesday for the situation in Ecuador and hoped that the country could restore calm and stability after the sacking of President Lucio Gutierrez.

Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo said he hoped that Ecuador will find a peaceful solution and believed that stability will return.

"I hope that our brothers in Ecuador could find a peaceful solution and bring calm and stability," he said. If there is anything Peru could do, it will do it, he added.

Ecuador has been in turmoil as its congress voted on Wednesday to dismiss President Gutierrez for "abandoning his post" and named Vice President Alfredo Palacio to take his place. Palacio was sworn in later Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said he was "worried" about the political crisis in Ecuador, which might affect the process of South American integration.

Chavez called on the Ecuadorian people and government to bring the country back to the "road of democracy, prosperity and integration."

Chile's Secretary-General of Government Francisco Vidal said Wednesday afternoon that Chile hoped Ecuador could solve the crisis peacefully. However, he added, Chile will not declare its position until the situation is further clarified.