Quito, July 14 (teleSUR-RHC)-- Opposition leaders are meeting to discuss future actions they will take against the government of President Rafael Correa.
The National United Collective of Workers, Indigenous and Social Organizations, known as Cedocut, have met to evaluate the marches of the past month, review common demands and set the date for a national strike.
"On the July 18, we will possibly announce the national strike,” said President of the Popular Front movement Nelson Erazo. “We picked this date for the announcement because July 17 and 18 is the National Assembly of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador. We are respecting each of the organizations that make up this bloc, we can't move forward with a date until all sectors have met the objectives of meetings within their own organizations."
The national dialogue on wealth redistribution and social equality has encouraged the participation of all sectors of society, but the opposition continues refusing to enter the debate.
A manual by Gene Sharp on “soft coup” tactics used to overthrow regimes was cited by President Rafael Correa as followed by the opposition in their attempts to destabilize his government.
"In Ecuador, we can take this manual and look at how its phases are applied with exact times, months, with dates because they have been using it constantly," said legislator for the PAIS Alliance party Maria Augusta Calle.
President Correa said that the government still counts on support of the armed forces, despite rumors put forward by opposition media which suggested otherwise. Meanwhile, he has warned citizens of tactics used by the opposition, such as constant mobilizations as being part of this manual.
In his weekly Saturday television address, President Correa said: "Nobody said this was going to be easy, but we cannot lose our happiness. We need to be more alert than ever because these people will continue, and what they are following is the manual of soft coups. Everyone needs to be aware of this. We should all know what is happening in the country to know what we are up against, and to be ready to defend our revolution."
While supporters of Correa’s campaign for national dialogue are increasingly reaching out to more factions across the country, the opposition has continued to prepare for a national strike and will carry on with marches.
