Ecuador Indigenous Urged to Protest Peacefully

Quito, Jan 20 (Prensa Latina) Ecuadorian Minister of Government Fernando Bustamante called on the indigenous movement on Tuesday to protest mining laws peacefully and in an organized way.

The National Police was ordered to protect the demonstrators, ensure public order and prevent any attempt to block the roads or use violence, said Bustamante in a press conference with foreign journalists.

Those who want to protest may do it by keeping public order and without attempting against public property, he stressed.

Bustamante said he talked today with President of the Kichwa People Confederation, Humberto Cholango, and reiterated the need for protests in different to be staged without problem.

Ecuadorean indigenous people oppose large scale mining allowed by a legislation approved by the Legislative Commission, as they consider it contaminates the environment and affects water sources.

They also demand the approval of the law on water, with serious regulations for use and the State property over natural resources.