Ecuadorian Multitude Welcomes Chavez

Quito, Aug 9 (Prensa Latina) A sea of people chanted supportive slogans in a warm welcome to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who placed a wreath in honor of Marshal Antonio Jose de Sucre at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Quito, Ecuador on Thursday.

Accompanied by Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa and several ministers, after paying his respects at the grave, the visitor broke with protocol to mingle with the crowd.

I do not have words to say how I feel to be in Quito...Correa is not exaggerating when he says this is my homeland and the homeland of every Venezuelan, Chavez said.

Venezuela is also the homeland of Ecuadorians, and as long as we people are united, we will never be defeated, he added.

Correa pointed out that this country is also building a new democracy and said he will miss the August 10 Congress ceremony for Independence Day, asking the crowd if he should go, and they responded with a resounding "no." He also noted the importance of the September 30 elections to achieve a majority in the Constituent Assembly.

Chavez will give a press conference before heading to Bolivia tonight.