As power shifts in Ecuador, Annan urges respect for rule of law

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today urged respect for the rule of law in Ecuador after Vice-President Alfredo Palacio assumed the functions of the presidency.

“The Secretary-General remains concerned about the violence in the country, which has already claimed victims,” a spokesman for Mr. Annan said in a statement.

Repeating past calls on all parties to show restraint, he said they should initiate an urgent dialogue towards the full restoration of the rule of law to achieve political, social and economic stability in Ecuador.

“The Secretary-General emphasizes that the United Nations will continue to support all Ecuadorians in their efforts to achieve that end,” the spokesman said.