Annan calls on Government and opposition in Ecuador to settle crisis through dialogue

Reacting to the latest developments in Ecuador, which has been rocked by protests and unrest, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called for the Government and the opposition to resolve their differences through dialogue.

A spokesman for Mr. Annan said the Secretary-General was following with concern the latest developments in the South American country.

"The present crisis may aggravate an already unstable situation," the spokesman warned in a statement released in New York.

The Secretary-General called on the Government and the opposition to find a constitutional solution to the crisis through dialogue. "He urges all Ecuadorians to maintain a peaceful and constructive attitude," the statement said.