Government to focus on reactivating Imbabura economy in Monday talks with indigenous leaders

According to Economic Minister Harold Burbano talks with indigenous leaders on Monday will concentrate on economic and employment issues. “Our focus will be on revitalizing the province, reopening and supporting businesses and employees who have suffered from the strike,” he said.

At least 15 roads remained blocked Saturday morning in Imbabura Province.

Burbano insisted that restoration of the diesel fuel subsidy will not be open for discussion. “Our experience in recent weeks has proven the legitimacy of the elimination of the subsidy, especially in Imbabura Province, so this will not be considered.”

It is unclear which indigenous organizations will participate in the talks organized by Otavalo Mayor Anabel Hermosa. The announcement by Union of Indigenous Peasant Organizations of Cotacachi (UNORCAC) and the Federation of Kichwa Peoples of the Northern Sierra of Ecuador (FICI) Wednesday that the strike was suspended pending continuing talks with the government, was rejected by other groups in Imbabura. The announcement followed a meeting with Interior Minister John Reimberg.

UNORCAC and FICI conceded that the strike is not over.

Burbano said that $2.5 million has been allocated for loans to small and medium-sized businesses through public and private banks. Government-owned bank Banecuador will coordinate the program

Measures to support the tourism sector, including tax relief, are also being developed and will part of Monday’s talks. “Because tourism is essential to the Imbabura economy, we are considering a national promotional campaign to help revitalize the sector,” Burbano said.

Pending the talks, the government said Friday it is delaying plans to begin clearing roadblocks in the province, the number of which has increased since violent clashes Tuesday between protesters and government security forces.

On Saturday morning, there were 15 road blockages in the province, including five on the Pan American highway (E35), the primary access into the province from the south.

Four roadblocks were reported outside of Imbabura Province Friday, in Pichincha, Loja and Cotopaxi provinces. There were protest marches and sit-ins in Cuenca, Ambato and Quito.