Ecuador Congress for Mining Veto

Quito, Jan 26 (Prensa Latina) The Ecuadorian legislative commission discusses Monday the partial veto by President Rafael Correa of the mining law, supported by the government and rejected by indigenous and ecologist groups.

Observers analysis of this legislation cannot be carried out January 21, as initially expected, due to the lack of quorum, and parliamentary leader Fernando Cordero suspended the session.

It is expected that assembly members back the veto, in favor of a change in its wording, Cordero said some days ago.

The text of that proposal states that "we will revert to the State projects in which the country has made explorations and studies of prefeasibility and feasibility," but instead of "and" we must write "or," he noted.

That change would strongly reverse mining concessions to the country, because the mistake committed by assembly members has generated a sense contrary to what all Ecuadorians must be inclined: the defense of natural resources, Cordero stressed.

For the legislative president, this rule will boost a responsible mining industry, to care environment and water resources.

The Ecuadorian head of State stated this weekend "that law has all democratic legitimacy, and predicted its approval today to start exploiting the great mining potential the nation has.

Last week the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador rejected this law, because it begins large scale exploitation and allows the entry of important transnational companies.