Kucinich Requests Support for Ecuadorian Democracy

Washington D.C. (September 30, 2010) – After the President of Ecuador was injured in what he called an attempted Coup D’état, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today wrote to President Obama, urging him to make it clear that the United States will only recognize the democratically elected government of Ecuador led by President Rafael Correa.

The full text of the letter follows:

September 30, 2010

The Honorable Barack Obama

President of the United States

The White House

Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr. President:

I write to express my deep concern over reports of violence and a possible attempted coup in Ecuador.

Reports indicate that violence in the country is at such a level that Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa has been hospitalized and that police seem to have also shut down the main airport. It appears as though the government is attempting to stabilize the country without resorting to violence.

It is of utmost importance at this time that the United States makes its support for democracy unequivocal and well-known. The United States needs to clearly state that we will only recognize democratically elected President Correa and that we will work together with regional partners and the Organization of American States to ensure the continuity of Correa’s democratically elected government in Ecuador.

Unfortunately, such a statement was not made last year at the onset of the coup in Honduras. Our silence contributed to an atmosphere in the country characterized by widespread reports of brutal oppression, killing, torture and disappearances that continue today. We cannot allow such a dangerous precedent to be set in Ecuador.

I urge you to immediately announce unequivocal support by the US for democracy in Ecuador.

Sincerely,

/s/

Dennis J. Kucinich

Member of Congress