Ecuador Roundup: Fight against violence, $4 billion IMF loan, military dogs given medals

Ecuador fights for Cuba

Ecuadorian Assemblyman Leonardo Berrezueta, who heads the Ecuador-Cuba Interparliamentary Friendship Group, has criticized the United States for maintaining Cuba on its list of alleged state sponsors of terrorism, calling it "incongruent". In an interview with Prensa Latina, Berrezueta argued that Cuba should be removed from the list because it is not only not a terrorist country, but also a humanitarian one. He questioned how Washington could justify including a country that exports doctors, knowledge, science, technology, and education to the world in a list of terrorist states. According to Prensa Latina, Berrezueta, a member of the Citizen Revolution movement, emphasised Cuba's positive contributions to global humanity, making its inclusion on the list all the more incongruous.

Fight against violence

The National Police of Ecuador has acknowledged that violence in the provinces of Los Ríos and Manabí is "out of control". Despite a reduction in violent deaths nationwide, the country is still experiencing a security crisis, with recent shootings in Manta and Durán. The government is taking measures, including temporarily moving the National Police Command and Joint Command of the Armed Forces to Manta, to address the issue. Many citizens are calling for urgent and comprehensive action against violence, reports Telesur.

Ecuador-Kentucky Guard partnership

The Ecuadorian Air Force welcomed a C-130H Hercules into its inventory with the help of the Kentucky Air National Guard's State Partnership Program. The aircraft will enhance Ecuador's air mobility capability and support domestic and humanitarian operations. The partnership demonstrates deep collaboration between the United States and Ecuador. According to Dvids, Kentucky's expertise with the C-130H will support Ecuador in managing maintenance and flying schedules.

IMF approves $4 billion

The Executive Board of the IMF has sanctioned a fresh 48-month plan for Ecuador under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), granting access to funds up to US$4 billion. Following the Board's approval, Ecuador can promptly receive US$1 billion. This programme is designed to bolster Ecuador's economic stabilisation efforts, protect its dollar-based system, and establish a groundwork for enduring equitable growth. According to the IMF, the government's policy framework emphasises firming up fiscal and debt stability, broadening the social welfare network, fortifying the robustness of the financial sector, and enhancing overall transparency and governance.

5 dogs with military intelligence given medals

The Belgian shepherds — Dayco, Amanda, Apolo, Zeus, and Maly — demonstrated remarkable speed and accuracy. One dog swiftly detected narcotics and subdued the individual in possession, while another uncovered explosive concealed beneath a vehicle's tyre. Their prowess was on display during a ceremony at a military intelligence brigade located south of Quito, Ecuador's capital, where they were honoured with medals for their exemplary service. The ceremony saw the uniformed personnel standing in formation as the dogs were awarded their decorations. As reported by ABC News, Colonel Santiago Salazar, the commander of the Calicuchima General Intelligence Brigade, highlighted the vital contribution of these dogs to public safety and the battle against organised crime, acknowledging their indispensable role in these critical efforts.