On the Coup D'etat in Ecuador, Consultations + Resolution

[Iran (Dax)]

Honorable Gert Rosenthal, ambassador to the United Nation from The Republic of Guatemala, would like to bring to the attention of the Security Council the matter of the ongoing developments in The Republic of Ecuador.

According to state media, Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa has been detained by the country's national armed forces and state police in an apparent coup d'etat. Military spokesmen have confirmed President Correa's detainment, de facto removal from office, and the suspension of the country's constitution on allegation of what the military has called 'threatening the sovereignty of the Republic.'

The Guatemalan government is aware that the policies of President Correa were unpopular among some nations, however it is important to point out that his administration rose to power via the ballot box in accordance with democratic principles and Ecuadorean constitutional law. In a region with a long history of dubious democratic credentials and deep scars resulting from brutal military rule, Guatemala City urges the Security Council not to overlook this issue, and further urges a decisive resolution outlining the Security Council's stance on the matter in order to send a strong message to Ecuador and the Latin American world that the international community is united in their approach to Central and South American democracy and human rights issues.

A summit in Brasilia under the guise of UNASUR is currently underway to address the issue, and it should be considered that a representative from the regional organization be invited to participate in the consultations and deliberations here, with the ultimate goal of realizing a resolution utilizing regional and local influence.

[Russia (Farrfin)]

The Russian Federation expresses its deep concern at the recent events in Ecuador. However, given the difficulty of gaining further information directly from Quito at this time, we support the invitation of a representative from UNASUR to brief this Council on their understanding of the situation.

[France (Angleter)]

France seconds the Russian Federation's concern and call for an address from a UNASUR representative.

[Iran (Dax)]

Néstor Osorio Londoño, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations and current President of the United Nations Security Council, is also in favor of the motion to extend the invitation to a UNASUR representative to take part in these deliberations, and as such will communicate the invitation appropriately.

[Brazil (Zelron)]

Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, now not only representing Brazil but also UNASUR, walked into the Security Council chamber and over to the seat she was directed to sit at. She briefly greeted the members before taking out the latest update from the UNASUR emergency meeting in Brasilia. She waited for the questions that were likely to come her way to begin.

[United States (Kartozeichner)]

The representative from the United States, Susan Rice, began with, perhaps, the most simple question of all:

"Mrs. Ribeiro Viotti, would you please, for the sake of convention and for refreshment of memory, relay to the Council the current situation in Ecuador, concerning the recent coup d'état in said country."

[Brazil (Zelron)]

"Well, currently, the military of Ecuador has ousted President Correa and through dialog with the Brazilian Ministry of External Relations we have found out the justification for the overthrow. They reason that under the 2008 constitution, the Armed Forces of Ecuador are responsible for the protection of Ecuador's sovereignty and territorial integrity and that sovereignty, under their constitution, is labeled as the will of the people. They believe that President Correa violated Ecuador's sovereignty and the will of the people called for the removal of President Correa.

"To expand on the situation, as you probably already know, the regional group UNASUR is in emergency session in Brasilia as is mandated under the Constitutive Treaty's Additional Protocol. They are currently discussing measures to take against military-controlled Ecuador."

[China (Schwerpunkt)]

The unfortunately named Wang Min was not altogether thrilled at the detail in the Brazilian's reply. "You say 'military-controlled Ecuador.' Exactly what does this mean? Is the military of Ecuador simply enacting martial law as it prepares to follow the usual order of succession -- whatever that may be -- or does it mean that the military of Ecuador is apparently keen on holding onto power? If it is the latter, that would make it a junta. If it is a former, that would make it a transitive authority.

"Further, when might we expect UNASUR to reach a decision on this matter?

[Brazil (Zelron)]

"What I mean is that the military of Ecuador has removed a seating leader from office and is now in control of the country. We do not know exactly which path they intend to go at this point.

"Currently, the meeting in Brasilia is taking a measure by measure approach to the situation as is outlined in the Constitutive Treaty. The first measure is suspending Ecuador from UNASUR and that is likely to pass if it hasn't already. From there, they must decide if they wish to implement," Viotti looked down at the copy of the Additional Protocol she had brought with her and read it word for word,"partial or complete closure of land borders, including the suspension and/or limitation of trade, air and maritime traffic, communications and provision of energy, services and supplies. This will probably take the most time to decide because a overtly aggressive response may push the military of Ecuador down a path none of us wish to see happen."

[Ecuador (Klaus Strasser)]

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen of the United Nations Security Council and of other participating nations in the discussion of La Republica del Ecuador, homeland of your humble speaker, His Excellency Mr. Francisco Carri�n Mena, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the United Nations




I firstly wish to make explicit my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to address the Security Council. It is of the utmost importance to have an Ecuadorian voice in these deliberations, and I am both honoured and humbled that it is my voice that shall speak for the Ecuadorian people, within and without the boundaries of the Ecuadorian republic itself.



I desire to underscore the point-of-view from which my discourse to you, my esteemed collaeagues, emanates from:

the well-being of the Ecuadorian people.

My obligations are thus entirely non-ideological. My only obligation is to work to ensure the human rights of the Ecuadorian people in a time of great unstability.



It is true that I have become Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the United Nations under the appointment of one President Rafael Correa. Mr. Correa is a humble and gifted man, sincerely committed to the future of the Ecuadorian people. Nevertheless, his policies have been received by some, both within and outside, Ecuador with hesitation. All parties involved, regardless of ideology, have the interests of the Ecuadorian people in mind.
In this sense, we can be encouraged by the fact that a truly civilized and democratic political discourse exists within Ecuador.



It is for this reason that I am disappointed in the events that have taken place in Ecuador in the past few weeks. A military seizure of power recalls a twentieth century variant of South America and its junta culture which we thought had become a historical relic. With the events in La Republica, it would seem that this culture has revived itself, despite noble efforts by organizations such as UNASUR to create a radically democratic political space in South America. Furthermore, such transfers of power are of course existential threats to the Ecuadorian people, as well as the South American people.



As a diplomat for over three decades, I have endeavoured to reach the objective view-point, to avoid ideological positionings and ecourage dialogue. For this reason, I may underscore, as mentioned above, that many of Correa's policies were viewed with hostility. The failed coup attempt in 2010 was the result of an angered police force, dismayed at Correa's reforms. Furthermore, Correa's repeated use of the state of exception in the Ecuadorian constitution was interpreted by many, both in and outside Ecuador, as a violation of democracy. In addition, many were critical that Correa had intended to draft a new cosntitution in 2009 after he became the democratically elected president, a constiution that many legal scholars have posited as undemocratic in a number of areas.

The point of this is not to spread accusations. The point is to review the context in which the current actions in Ecaudor have occurred. Only in this context, can we begin to trace the logic of these events.



It has become clear that the military and the police forces initiated the removal of President Correa. Mr. Correa remains in their custody. It has been commnicated in official documents from the Armed Forces, which you have received copies of, documents, that are also made available to the participants in the UNASUR meetings, that the armed forces believe that they have acted according to the constitution and their stated mission to defend Ecuadorian sovereignty. That they attempted to realize this mission without democratic elections is clear. However, their argument is that the contxt in Ecuador was such that President Correa had consolidated a hegemonic position, in which democratic transfers of power were unfeastible. The armed foces have stated both publicly and to me personally that they are committed to democratic elections after the current state of exception is revoked and order is re-instituted in the country.



Many in this room have a legal background. They are of course familiar, therefore, with the interpretative nature of the law. Debates as to whether the army acted lawfully, whether they acted democratically, or even whether they could have acted democratically according to the potential non-democratic essence of the Ecuadorian constitution, are obviously crucial to determining what to do in this situation. On the other hand, such debates are endless. And if we have these debates in the security council, there is a question as to what will be their end-effect on Ecuador.



In order to avoid such hermeneutics, my concern therefore is only for the well-being of the Ecuadorian people. I wish to minimize the violence. I do not want to see carnage and death in my homeland - I do not want to see the black lady manifest herself with her evil sword. I am concerned that an emphasis on the legal aspect of the situation, will overshadow the humanitarian aspect. The humanitarian aspect can be realized with an emphasis on order and the rule of law in my Ecuadorian home .



The armed forces of the Republic of Ecuador have claimed to have initiated order and law. As an Ecuadorian citizen, both professional contacts and familiy members within the country state that the violence has stopped. Furthermore, the Armed Forces have stated that President Correa will be brought to a fair and legal trial. In addition, they have stated that they will hold democratic elections.

I do not approve of the way the Ecuadorian armed forces have seized power. This is not the South America we want. At the same time, the armed forces have maintained they will cede power to a democraticlly-determined authority. This is an encouraging sign.



Insofar as my commitment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the United Nations is a commitment to the Ecuadorian people, I wish to abstain from judgment and wish only to do whatever it takes to maintain the well-being of the Ecuadorian people. I would like to see a path pursued that takes this as its guiding light. Thus, I seek to avoid any further violence in Ecuador. If the army takes the steps that they have outlined they will take, this will not only avoid further violence, but will fulfill a democratic promise.
For the sake of the Ecuadorian people, we must proceed with caution, remain stoic and firm in our convictions to democratic rule, and to humanitarian principles. We must take great efforts to minimize the suffering of a people hatt have suffered in the last few weeks. We must therefore move forward with an openness to the current authorities in Ecuador, encouraging them to fulfill their promises. Their words are only as strong as their actions. Let us all work together to ensure a democratic Ecuador: let us not be poisoned by the ideological.



I care not for ideology; I care only for my people. I weep when I turn on the news and see a building in Quito in flames; a pain develops in my heart when my ancient and noble Aunt Xiomara phones me and tells me she is scared about the current uncertainty. Let us work to put out that fire in the building in Quito; let us work to remove the fear from the heart of Aunt Xiomara.

Let us work together to make sure Maria, the daughter of an illiterate indigenous cocoa farmer in Limoncocha, has access to medical aid; let us work together to make sure that Jose, the son of an illiterate trash collector in Guayaquil, can finish his university education. Let all those who share these goals participate in this awesome dialogue.

[China (Schwerpunkt)]

[Frequent pictures made reading that post a pain in the ass.]

"While the Ecuadorian presentation was rather moving," Wang responded with the soul-numbing tone of a career bureaucrat, "I am afraid that essentially asking this council to avert its gaze and hope for the best typically does not fare overly well." He may or may not have cast a suspicious glance in the direction of the Americans. "We thank you for your nonpartisan speech, Mr. Mena, and commend your commitment to your people. China, of course, would love nothing more than to see this conflict resolve itself peacefully. We will reserve judgement until more information is available."

[France (Angleter)]

"France also thanks Mr. Mena for his speech. However, we certainly cannot ignore what is going on in Ecuador right now and hope that all resolves itself with a return to democracy and the rule of law. Indeed, compare the amount of times we hear from coup leaders that they shall return to democracy soon, and the amount of times it actually happens. Until we gain a full picture of the conflict in Ecuador, France shall continue to call on all sides, in particular the military, to renounce violence and return power as swiftly as possible to Ecuador's legitimate and democratic institutions."

[Ecuador (Klaus Strasser)]

His Excellency Mr. Francisco Carri�n Mena, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the United Nations, stood on a balcony looking over an atrium in the cyclopean UN complex. He lit a cigarette.



The Security council's session on Ecuador had ground to a halt, for reasons unknown to him.

"Goddamn bureaucrats", Mena said to himself as he took a puff-puff on the cigarette.

The chinese delegate Wang Min passed by, and Mena, his Latin temper on an Aztecian level because of the delays in the proceedings, combined with his twenty year abuse of the cocoa leaf, forcefully grabbed Wang by the arm and pulled him onto the balcony.

"I gave the speech of my life out there Wang - the speech of my fucking career. That was the best speech in the Security Council in the last 10 years Wang. "Rather moving?" How about point blank "moving" Wang. And reducing my entire spiel to the "fold your arms and do nothing" diplomatic stance - you made me look like a fool in there Wang.

You're breaking my balls Wang. Wang you're breaking my balls in there ."

[China (Schwerpunkt)]

Wang was marginally surprised by the Ecuadorian's decision to abruptly accost him in the halls of the United Nations, outside of the actual chambers. It was most... undiplomatic and obviously quite out of the ordinary. So, rather than responding immediately, he made a point of adjusting his tie and checking his cuff links. With that finished, he decided to respond to the half-mad diplomat.

"What did you expect China to do?" he asked in that 'I know better than you do' tone at which all diplomats were experts. "Ride in our high horses and save the day by recognizing a military junta in Ecuador? Approve a military cam, tell them 'good boy,' and pretend they're actually going to do something useful? Upend decades of tradition and inexplicably thank the junta for deposing the government that may or may not have been elected according to democratic principles, principles which China truly does not give a damn about?

"You want China's help?" Wang asked, poking a finger at the Ecuadorian. "Give us a reason to get involved. If you can't do that, if Ecuador won't even attempt to court our support, then we'll watch from a thousand miles away as your country burns itself down."

[Ecuador (Klaus Strasser)]

"Fuck you Wang."

His Excellency Mr. Francisco Carri�n Mena, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the United Nations turned his back to the Chinese ambassador and continued smoking his cigarette.


It was clearly an anomalous phrase for one diplomat to utter to another. Yet Mena had survived the diplomatic mise-en-scene with a somewhat schizophrenic tactic. On the one extreme, he was known for his breaking of bon ton in private or unofficial conversation, throwing down expletives like the squirrel collects nuts. On the other extreme, his public discourses were always of a monotone castrated diplomacy, which bordered on emptiness with its apparent total lack of content.

Of course, behind the excessive swearing was an attempt to come across as a direct and honest man, which Mena was not. Behind the prima facie vacuousness of his public discourse worked forces of control and manipulation.

Perhaps Mena had gone too far in this moment. But his private conversations with the Colombians before the Security Council meeting had been productive. Mena's bulbous head nodded in favour as the Colombian representative at the hotel hinted that the Colombian government and eo ipso the American government had no problem with the regime change in Ecuador. This had given Mena a direction - this confirmed his siding with los golpistas - and thus an air of confidence: He still believed in American unipolarity. Mena's brashness with Wang was a result of these pre-conditions; concomitantly, the cocaine he had ingested before the meeting engendered his minor violence.



"Why was I born in fucking Ecuador?" Mena had often thought to himself. This thought returned to his head this moment, as the powerful Chinaman lectured him, the weak Ecuadorian . "Why not in some great country, where I could use my talents to their utmost manifestation. Japan, Russia, America.....and my parents decided to copulate and discharge me in fucking Ecuador."

Mena looked at his watch. The delays at the Security Council had begun to annoy him.

Whatever their ultimate verdict, he would be around. Mena knew Ecuadorian politics. He knew who was sleeping with who, who had the best drugs direct from the narcomafia, who sold arms to FARC and the rightwing paramilitaries in Colombia, and who was a member of the gay community.



His mobile went "toot toot". It was a text message from the military spokeswoman Chiquita Uschi Noriega Traugott inquiring about the process.

"Soon - diplomatic waiting - LOL." He answered.

But then Mena really erupted into an auditory laugh, a true and honest hysterical snorting.

"Hah, look what the bitch's initials spell out!"

[China (Schwerpunkt)]

Wang merely grinned as he departed. The last moment of relevance for the Ecuadorian diplomat was spent flailing blindly; the imagery conjured in the Chinese representative's head alone made him grin. So let the poor bastard have his limp-wristed insults; it was time for Wang to lean back and watch Ecuador burn.

[United States (Kartozeichner)]

"The United States is not comfortable with allowing a military force to come to power in Ecuador. It is extremely discomforting that Ecuador, a country formerly strongly in favor of democratic ideals, would be so quickly overthrown by the military there, regardless of the possibility of an unpopular government.

The United States calls on UNASUR to take immediate action to restore democracy to Ecuador and to disband the Ecuadorian military, and apprehend those responsible for the coup d'état. Pending this, my government would request a Security Council resolution to provide joint forces to restore democracy to the country."

I would also like to request that the Ecuadorian representative stop holding up photographs in the middle of his speeches, Ambassador Rice thought in frusturation.

[China (Schwerpunkt)]

Wang practically had to scramble to get back into the meeting for Rice's speech. It was most certainly not ideal, for it gave the impression of harried and troubled ambassador.

"While I am not certain I can endorse the... zeal of my American counterpart, I do believe that something a bit more proactive than sitting and waiting is in order." Wang turned to regard the UNASUR representative. "Exactly what steps is UNASUR prepared to take to facilitate the demise of the junta in Ecuador?"

[Ecuador (Klaus Strasser)]

His Excellency Mr. Francisco Carri�n Mena, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the United Nations was pleased that the Security Council was finally moving forward. Maybe he would be able to make it to the strip club in time for happy hour.




Yet the American response sent an electrical shock through his obese flesh.

"It must be rhetoric," thought Mena.

The U.S. support of the junta culture in South America had been a great American tradition. South America was just another playground in American geopolitics. The same thing was going on now, with the U.S. support of the Colombians against the Bolivarians.



Chavez was a declared enemy of the U.S., as was Correa. The Americans had supported a coup against Correa as recently as 2010. After Correa had thrown the Ameriacns out of the military base in Manta, relations had deteriorated even further. Ecuador under Correa had also become more inviting to FARC, as Correa's policies had allowed the latter to base themselves in the eastern amazon jungle thickness so as to disrupt American-Colombian operations from outside Colombian territory. Ecuador's protection of Julian Assange in London was the latest Ecuadorian stab to the American heart. Even the Americans' favourite demonization material, Ahmadinejad, had been on a state visit to Ecuador 6 months ago. Under Correa, American-Ecuadorian relations had reached their historically lowest point, which was why Mena himself had decided to make the break - although very subtly, like a true diplomat - from Correa.

"The Americans should be in fucking ecstasy!" Mena thought. It was though Ambassador Rice was completely ignorant of U.S. - Ecuadorian relations over the last five years. Maybe Rice was truly a naive idealist as diplomatic whispers had conveyed: wholly blind to what American policy is really trying to accomplish, living in some type of dream world. Perhaps she was insane, thought Mena. But she wasn't a head of state, she was merely saying what her masters had told her to say. But what her masters had told her to say was without any logic in the context of not only US-Ecuadorian relations, but in the context of US-South American relations.

He reflected on his conversations with the Colombians. If Rice's words had any meaning other than the void of diplomatic speech, this meant that in this demented passion play the United States had decided to play the role of Judas to their biggest ally in the region, Colombia. It also meant that the United States wanted Correa back and had made a policy decision in favour of the Bolivarians throughout South America. The entire discourse from Rice was - Mena searched for the correct terminology - unrealistic.

"It doesn't make any fucking sense", thought Mena to himself. "Empty rhetoric....it must be. The Colombians must be irate....why the hell aren't they saying anything? They are on the security council once every fucking century, an event happens that goes in their favour when they are on there, and they dont' say penny fucking one."

An aide whispered to Mena that now the Argentinians had called for a military intervention in Ecuador.

"Christ, maybe it won't last..." Mena posited concerning the junta. "Did I make a mistake?"



During his speech to the Security Council, Mena had not been overtly supportive of the junta, but had leaned towards the laissez-faire approach. Yet if Correa would return, he would be done for. Mena, the diplomatic survivor in the anarchy of Ecuadorian politics, had perhaps finally made a fatal error.

"No, it can't be.....the American resposne makes no sense....."A country strongly in favour of democratic ideals" she said....The Americans have been calling Correa a dictator for the last five years?! They have a golden chance to smash the Bolivarians and they put their enemey Correa back in power.?.....No, no Rice is vacant....she has no idea what is going on in reality.....her words don't mean anything...she doesn't even know where Ecuador is on a map..."

Mena looked at the Chinese representative Wang who was now speaking. He thought about how he had too forcefully grabbed Wang by the arm in the hallway. And Wang's words about Ecuador caressing l'inferno. "Stupid, stupid move Mena...must be the drugs.....and the stress....you are under tremendous fucking stress Francisco...you need to relax."




He didn't like Wang on a personal level. At a diplomatic party a few years ago, Mena was chatting up a particularly attractive Chinese diplomat. Mena had sufficiently inebriated her, and things were moving forward in their conversation towards the more intimate zones. Wang had soared in like a papa eagle, fetched the young diplomat, and had said some words to Mena about professional conduct. Yes, a trivial incident. But Mena took it as a bad sign about Wang's character. Wang was a moralist, an idealist.
"I just want to survive and have a good time" reasoned Mena, "the idealists are the kinds of people that get other people killed."

Mena calmed himself down by envisioning via the faculties of the mental organ his bulbous body walking over to Rice and slapping her across the face.

[Russia (Farrfin)]

Vitaly Churkin, Russia's ambassador to the UN, listened to the proceedings of the Council with an expression which gave nothing away. In truth, his instructions from Moscow were simple: we don't really care too much about what happens in Ecuador. But, for the sake of keeping up appearances, Churkin would dance the diplomatic waltz with the rest of the Council.

"I would second Ambassador Wang's concerns. I would like to hear from the UNSAUR representative with regards to their suggestions," said Churkin.

[Brazil (Zelron)]

Viotti spoke up after being prodded by the Russian and Chinese ambassadors to do so.

"UNASUR is willing to do exactly as the additional protocol lays out for us to do," she said, "which, as I have stated, includes partial or complete closure of land borders, the suspension and/or limitation of trade, air and maritime traffic, communications and provision of energy, services and supplies. Of course, this may take time to breakdown the military's control on Ecuador, but it is all that we are allowed to do under the Constitutive Treaty. However, our organization is also willing to help execute any resolutions this council passes regarding Ecuador and helping them return to democracy."

[China (Schwerpunkt)]

Wang was increasingly unimpressed by the UNASUR representative. "At what point will UNASUR be able to inform this body of what it intends to do and when it intends to do those things?"

[United States (Kartozeichner)]

"I second the Chinese representative. We need specifics and we need real plans so that we can know that the events will eventually turn; we cannot simply let nothing occur."

[Brazil (Zelron)]

Viotti was about to speak when she was tapped on the shoulder by an assistant. She was passed an official communique from President Rousseff updating her of the progress of the meeting. Viotti thought to herself, It is about time.

"I have just received an update from the emergency meeting in Brasilia. They have agreed to suspend Ecuador from UNASUR and have decided to implement the immediate closure of land borders with Ecuador and a limitation of trade, air and maritime traffic, communications and provision of energy, services and supplies. The latter will probably take some time to implement fully as it requires coordination amongst all UNASUR nations Defence Ministries."

After she was finished talking, Viotti wrote this note to the United States' representative.

"Representative Rice,

It has been proposed by UNASUR members that the safety of President Correa may be in danger if all of the measures we have agreed to implement were implemented. I wish to inquire if the United States would be willing to help provide intel and help push for a resolution in the UNSC that would allow UNASUR to go into Ecuador and rescue him? I would have brought this up openly; however, the presence of the Ecuadorian delegate does not allow for me to do so."

Similarly, this note was sent to the representatives of the remaining P5.

"Representative <insert name here>,

It has been proposed by UNASUR members that the safety of President Correa may be in danger if all of the measures we have agreed to implement were implemented. I wish to inquire if your nation would be willing to help push for a resolution in the UNSC that would allow UNASUR to go into Ecuador and rescue him? I would have brought this up openly; however, the presence of the Ecuadorian delegate does not allow for me to do so."

[Ecuador (Klaus Strasser)]

Another lull in the proceedings. Mena reflected, smoking a cigarette on his favourite place overlooking the atrium when Ambassador Rice walked by.

"Esteemed Ambassador Rice. May I have a moment?"

Mena hated talking to female diplomats. It forced him to alter his tactic. The coarse, mysogynistic and pseudo-directly honest Mena had to be subdued to some castrated variant of himself.

"Ambassador Rice, as the only Ecuadorian voice here in the Security Council I just wanted to say in an unofficial setting that I am very distressed about what is hapening in Ecuador. I hear from my family members regularly, friends, acquaintances....even my auto mechanic, Miguel, phoned me and asked me what is occuring? They have heard about the Argentinians wanting to ignite military action against Ecuador. The security forces are firmly against Correa, any such move would lead to utter violence. We have to work together to stop the violence at all costs Miss Rice.

Let me re-iterate I do not approve of what the military did. You know I am objective here, I became Representative to the U.N. under Mr. Correa's presidency. But my concern is with the Ecuadorian people, and I fear that any aggressive action here will only lead to their suffering. One moment, my phone is vibrating."

Mena pretended that his mobile rang and equally pretended to answer it.

"Oh, Aunt Xiomara.....yes, how are you dear?.....Oh, don't cry Aunt Xiomara....everything will be fine, we are working on it now.....I will phone you in a few moments, I am currently speaking to the distinguished American representative to ensure that order is maintained. Ciao bella."




Excuse me, Miss Rice, Aunt Xiomara is terribly concerned what will happen with the Argentinians' latest robust rhetoric....

I just would like to understand your logic....and please no "we support democracy", because I know that the U.S. does not view Correa as political representative of democracy....

"we support democracy"...Ambassador Rice, we are both diplomats, we are not naive...there is a major line of demarcation by what we say on and off the record....but even your on the record comments, I am searching for the right word....are inconsistent....America has continually shown opposition to Correa, you consider him to be as much a democrat as you do Chavez, and now this? And the parties that have been supportive of the coup are traditional pro-American parties, against Correa as you be.....And then with Assange in London, the Manta air base, the state visit from Ahmadinejad a few months ago....this sudden policy shift, Miss Rice, frankly it has left me baffled....

I am searching for a level head here in the security council in order to guarantee the safety of the Ecuadorian people. Yet my proposals for a level-headed approach seem to be ignored....

Whereas the American response is...I am again looking for the correct word here Madame.....unrealistic."