Ecuador tightens security as Indians vow more protests

[struggle4progress]

By Alonso Soto
Reuters
Monday, March 20, 2006; 7:48 PM

QUITO, Ecuador (Reuters) - Ecuadorean troops tightened security on highways around Quito on Monday as Indian leaders threatened to renew protests against free-trade talks this week with the United States.

Protesters set up roadblocks in three provinces and Quito police briefly fired tear gas to disperse dozens of Indians, some armed with spears. But most highways were clear and Quito was calm with businesses open as usual.

Ecuadorean and U.S. officials will meet in Washington on Thursday for the trade talks. Ecuador's Andean neighbors, Colombia and Peru, already have signed deals.

Indian protesters are demanding that the government abandon the talks, contending that a trade pact will damage their livelihoods and way of life. <snip>

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/20/AR2006032001976.html