Ecuador Prez Blows off Indigenous
Ecuadorian President Alfredo Palacio disallowed the demands by the indigenous, social and student movements to cancel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks with the US.

Wednesday night at a public address, Palacio said that since the FTA is still under negotiation, the government cannot promise to sign it or not until all issues are not agreed.

For the statesman, nationwide indigenous rallies and protests, organized by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), have shattered the national peace.

He said the FTA negotiations will defend the nation´s interests and independence of farmers with sensitive products such as rice, corn, potato, among others.

Likewise, the Ecuadorian dignitary favored a referendum over some constitutional changes during October elections and expressed willingness to call for a Constituent Assembly.

However, he did not OK a plebiscite for the people to settle on the FTA, as grassroots bodies and CONAIE have requested.

Regarding US Oxy oil, accused of selling part of its actions to another foreign firm without Executive consent, the head of state said that company is under a judicial process.

After the speech, indigenous leaders complained about the president´s attitude and said he is bowing to neoliberalism against popular demand.