A referendum proposed by Ecuadoran President Rafael Correa would reform the judiciary and crack down on crime, but critics say it will strengthen the executive’s hand.
Ecuador declared a state of emergency September 30 after police clashed with President Rafael Correa and his supporters, sparking a national crisis. Access an AS/COA resource guide to reactions and coverage.
The U.S. secretary of state mapped out an “opportunity” vision that must now find a way to take hold, writes Richard Feinberg of the University of California, San Diego.
Leaders from the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of the Americas met October 16 and 17 in Cochabamba, where they charted a course for implementing a virtual currency that could replace the dollar in commercial transactions. ALBA also imposed a blockade on Honduras.
A year and a half after cutting diplomatic relations, Bogota and Quito's efforts to repair ties are showing signs of progress. Foreign ministers from each country met Friday to continue talks.
The White House predicts little movement on comprehensive immigration reform before 2010. The ailing economy taking up much of the Obama administration’s time has shown its impact in immigration and remittances as well.
South American leaders met Monday in Quito for a UNASUR summit, where they debated action on a probable U.S.-Colombian military pact. Though not present at the summit, Colombia’s President Álvaro Uribe visited seven countries last week to clarify the deal’s terms.
