Ecuador: President and protestors reach a deal to end violent unrest

The Ecuador President Lenin Moreno and local leaders have hit a deal on October 13, to put an end to the ongoing violent protests in which seven people died. The protests that have been underway for the past two weeks will come to an end as the President will take back the International Monetary Fund (IMF) package which resulted in a sudden rise in prices of gasoline and diesel fuel after eliminating subsidies. Moreno met the head of Ecuador's largest indigenous organization CONAIE, Jaime Vargas and talked to him for four hours in the capital city Quito. The meeting was broadcasted live on State television. The indigenous leaders will reportedly appeal to their supporters to end the protests that went on for a fortnight.

READ: Ecuador’s Army Patrols Streets As Talks To End Protests Near

President, Indigenous leader release official statement

In a joint statement, Moreno and Vargas said with the agreement, the mobilizations across the country will end as they pledge to restore peace in the State. Further, they added that the government is going to withdraw the order removing fuel subsidies. Ever since the President cut subsidies to get a loan of $4.2 billion from the IMF, the shooting prices led to violent unrest in the country where seven people reportedly lost their lives and several more were injured. Both the sides have decided to come together for the development of a fresh package of measures which will reduce the spending by the government. Together, they will increase revenues as well as lessen budget deficits and public debt by the President, reports claimed. An official from the United Nations and a Catholic Church mediated the talks between the leaders and the statement was read publically by the UN Official. The indigenous leaders stated those measures applied in all their territories have been lifted. 

READ: Ecuador Clash Site Has Party Clowns, Recycling, And Tear Gas

Violent unrest

The Ecuador President declared a curfew and army control in Quito due to the demonstrations. The violent unrest was carried on till the talks began on October 13, while the cops battled to disperse the crowd that tried to place a barricade of debris. As per reports from foreign media, people from all parts of the country gathered in these protests in which about 1,400 people have been injured and as many as 1,152 were detained. Moreno had to relocate his government to Guayaquil due to the violence and knock oil businesses with the energy ministry eliminating over 66% of crude oil distribution. The demonstrators took control of Amazon's three oil provisions. 

READ: Indonesian Police Fire Water Cannons, Tear Gas To Disperse Protesters

READ: Ecuador: Authorities Detain Taxi Union Leader, Protests Suspended

(With inputs from agencies)