Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Change of Government in Ecuador

January 24, 2000

Japan considered extremely regrettable the anti-democratic act by a group in Ecuador, which attempted to seize power in an unconstitutional manner, and carefully watched the situation, hoping that it would be settled in a peaceful and constitutional way. Now that President Mahuad has accepted Vice President Noboa as the new President and the Congress adopted a resolution acknowledging the new President, Japan recognizes that a change of government has taken place in line with the Constitution of Ecuador.
Japan hopes that the democratic process will be fully respected hereafter in Ecuador, and that all the parties concerned including the new President Noboa will overcome various economic and social problems with the understanding and cooperation of the people of Ecuador.

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