Brussels, December 16 (RHC)-- The former president of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, denounced on Thursday the interference of the U.S. ambassador in the South American nation, Michael Fitzpatrick, who mentioned earlier this week during an interview that he will cancel U.S. visas to those he called "narco-generals." Fitzpatrick expressed his "concern" about penetration of drug trafficking in Ecuador.
In a message disseminated on the social network Twitter, Correa questioned that "the 'ambassador' publicly launches a diplomatic impertinence, and instead of the 'ambassador' leaving, the generals leave." The former Ecuadorian president asked: "Do you know how much it costs the country to prepare a general?" He then asserted: "We are going back to the past and to the governments of shame."
Correa's comments received the support of numerous social network users, who agree with his opinion about Fitzpatrick's interference. Other Internet users called attention to the duty of Ecuadorian, rather than foreign, institutions to investigate any alleged irregularities.
In his statements to the local press, Washington's ambassador to Quito did not identify the officers allegedly linked to illicit activities. He claimed that he did not do so because they are under investigation.
Subsequently, the government of President Guillermo Lasso requested the U.S. to provide accurate information to investigate the complaint (specifically the names of the officers), without commenting on Fitzpatrick's statements.
In addition, he requested the Comptroller's Office to audit the assets and assets of the 19 generals that make up the country's police leadership, who previously placed their positions at Lasso's disposal so that he could decide whether to dismiss them.
This request was presented the day before by the Minister of Government, Alexandra Vela, and the general commander of the National Police, Tanya Varela.
In the midst of this uncertainty, the U.S. embassy on Tuesday withdrew the visa of General Victor Arauz, recently reinstated to the Police together with three other generals by court order.
