Leonidas Iza was elected as president of Conaie last June 27, during the organization's national congress. | Photo: @LeonidasIzaSal1

Quito, July 25 (RHC)-- The new president of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie), Leonidas Iza, has called for the integration of the movement and social sectors of the South American country.

In his inaugural speech, Iza called for "unity within Conaie, unity on the political project of the peoples and nationalities" and said they want this unity "to pragmatize the 21 collective rights of peoples and nationalities."   "The power of the indigenous movement is in its mandates, unity, wisdom, memory and historical struggle," affirmed the Ecuadorian indigenous leader..

At the moment of assuming the presidency of the indigenous confederation, Leonidas Iza committed himself to convene as soon as possible the 'Great Parliament of the Peoples of Ecuador', to advance towards a new stage in the midst of the recognition of diversity.

Leonidas Iza expressed his rejection of extractivist and mining plans in water sources or zones and called for environmental remediation in the territories affected by these practices.

The new president of Conaie assured that during his mandate he will work against racism, discrimination and in favor of women, an issue on which he advocated to strengthen the application of indigenous justice in cases of violence.

Iza was elected as president of Conaie last June 27, during the national congress of the organization, which brings together the nationalities, peoples, communities, centers and indigenous associations of Ecuador.

Leonidas Iza was one of the leaders of the October 2019 demonstrations against the elimination of fuel subsidies, and which ended once then president Lenín Moreno reversed the measure.