QUITO (Reuters) – Ecuador said yesterday it had expelled the US ambassador to Quito to defend President Rafael Correa’s honour, even though the move could damage relations with its largest trade partner.
The OPEC member demanded on Tuesday that US envoy Heather Hodges leave, declaring her “persona non grata” over US diplomatic cables reporting alleged police corruption that were released by WikiLeaks.
The Ecuadorean government said the cables signed by Hodges’ office suggested senior Ecuadorean police commanders were aware of corrupt practices in the force and that one US embassy official believed Correa’s office also knew.
Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino said yesterday the decision to expel Hodges was made to defend Correa’s honour, even though trade ties with the United States might suffer.
“(Trade) preferences are very important. I can’t underestimate them … but the president’s honour is much more important,” Patino told a news conference.
Ecuador exports hundreds of products to the United States duty-free under the Andean Trade Preferences Act, a US programme aimed at reducing illegal drug production in the region by creating other job opportunities.
The US government said the expulsion was unjustified, and that it was considering the appropriate response.
Patino said Hodges’ expulsion was aimed at reprimanding her for the statements in the cables, and that Ecuador was not accusing the US government of any wrongdoing.
“[Relations] are good for the time being and we haven’t accused the US government of anything,” he said.
Correa said on Tuesday that the “intrusion” by the US embassy into Ecuador’s internal affairs had been “very serious,” and that he expected Washington to take some form of diplomatic reprisal.
Correa, who is aligned with leftist governments in the region, has clashed with the United States before.
In 2009 he expelled two US embassy officials for meddling in internal affairs in a case related to equipment for the country’s police force.
The oil-producing country shipped about 35 per cent of its exports to the United States in 2010.
Three businessmen consulted by Reuters and others speaking to local media said they were concerned Ecuador will lose its preferential trade status over Hodges’ expulsion.
“This pretty much means waving goodbye to our chances of having the preferences renewed,” said Esteban Chiriboga, a flower exporter.
The renewal of the Andean Trade Preferences Act is pending approval by the US Congress.
