Dear Editor,
Currently, Ecuador is confronting a wave of violence previously unknown in the country. Organised crime, sicariatos (brutal contracted killings), drug trafficking, and kidnapping contribute to increased violence.
The internal conflict in neighbouring Colombia has been a determining factor in the region’s growing instability, which has begun to infiltrate Ecuadorian society.
In response to the alarming situation that both countries are now facing, the Ecuadorian Government has generated Plan Ecuador, to provide for increased security and reliable development along its northern frontier region.
On April 24, 2007, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa formally introduced Plan Ecuador, which is based on the idea of “oponer la paz a la guerra” (“replacing war with peace”).
The plan consists of a series of key elements that focus on strengthening international and regional relationships, social development of the area, and defence of the population and Ecuador’s national territory.