The Department of Foreign Affairs was concerned to hear of the short-lived coup d’etat which took place in the Republic of Ecuador on 21 January 2000. News that the country’s legitimate government had been restored under Gustavo Noboa, who accepted the presidency of Ecuador on 22 January 2000, was accordingly received with relief. Notwithstanding Ecuador’s severe economic problems, suspension of a democratically chosen government can never be a legitimate solution and the Department would urge the Ecuadorean people to hold steadfastly to the path of democracy as they confront the challenging tasks before them.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Pretoria
24 JANUARY 2000