Ecuador's new president promises political reforms
Newly-installed Ecuadorian President Alfredo Palacio said on Monday that his government will conduct important reforms in the country, especially in the electoral system.

"We have to proceed with the development of districts, so people will get to know their representatives," Palacio told a press conference at the Government Palace.

The president reiterated that his administration will seek a national referendum and constitutional assembly "to change the institutions of the state so that the people choose their destiny, in order to give the state legality and legitimacy."

Palacio said the elections scheduled for 2007 should be carried out within a new legal framework, to be defined by working groups with all of the sectors in the country.

He pledged not to run as a candidate for the elections, saying he planned to "fulfill" his "obligation to finish the (current) term and turn the country over in an orderly fashion to the next president."

"We have to be firm in abiding by the constitution. The vice president replaces the president for the rest of his tenure, and during this time ... we will try to reform the republic," said Palacio.

Also on Monday, Foreign Minister Antonio Parra said the new government will comply with international agreements, including a deal allowing US military operations at a strategic Ecuadorian Pacific coast air base.

"The Manta base agreement is an international treaty that has to be respected. It is a treaty to be in effect until 2009, and the government will have to accept the necessary resolutions," he said in an interview with local TV stations.

But the new government will make sure that the base is operated for its original purpose of combating drug trafficking.

Ecuador has been in turmoil after its congress voted last Wednesday to fire former President Lucio Gutierrez for "abandoninghis post" and named Vice President Palacio in his place.