Protesters move into capital of Ecuador; president moves out
QUITO, Ecuador — Thousands of indigenous people, some carrying sticks, converged on Ecuador's capital Tuesday as anti-government protests and clashes led the president to move his besieged administration out of Quito.
The South American country of 17 million appeared to be at a dangerous impasse, paralyzed by a lack of public transport and blockaded roads that were taking a toll on an already vulnerable economy.
Violence, which began last week when President Lenin Moreno's decision to cut subsidies led to a sharp increase in fuel prices, has persisted for days. Several oil wells ceased production totaling 65,000 barrels daily because protesters seized installations, the Energy Ministry said.
Rioters have smashed car windows, broken into shops and confronted security forces who fired tear gas to disperse crowds.
Some video footage has shown police beating protesters. Opponents have accused Moreno's government of human rights abuses in its attempts to quell disturbances.
On Tuesday, Moreno met Cabinet ministers in the port city of Guayaquil after moving government operations from Quito because of security threats.
In a televised address late Monday, he said he was the target of a coup attempt, but would not back down from his decision to cut subsidies contributing to huge public debt that soared before he took office. The cuts were among measures announced as part of a $4.2 billion funding plan with the International Monetary Fund, which said the package will strengthen Ecuador's economy and generate jobs.