Türkiye issues Ecuador travel alert amid protests

By Zehra Nur Duz

ANKARA (AA) - Türkiye on Sunday issued a warning to its nationals traveling to Ecuador or living in the South American country amid a strike led by indigenous groups.

"It is important that our citizens currently residing in Ecuador and/or who will travel to this country follow additional warnings and announcements by our Ministry and our Kito Embassy, avoid neighborhoods where mass demonstrations are being held, take the necessary precautions for their personal safety and remain vigilant," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry also urged Turkish nationals in Ecuador to contact diplomatic officials in case of emergency.

Ecuador on Sunday lifted a state of emergency imposed in six provinces amid violent protests by indigenous groups demanding cuts in fuel prices.

"The President of the Republic, Guillermo Lasso, declared the end of the state of emergency due to serious internal commotion in the provinces of Chimborazo, Tungurahua, Cotopaxi, Pichincha, Pastaza and Imbabura," said a government statement.

The country had declared the state of emergency on June 17 amid violent protests.

Protesters had taken to the streets on June 13 against the government's economic policies.

They blocked roads in the Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Pastaza, Napo, and Tungurahua provinces, according to the local press.

More than 53 non-governmental organization from various sectors reportedly participated in the demonstrations.

In the midst of serious economic and social crises in recent years, Ecuador's government says financial reforms are necessary to revive the economy due to IMF debt.

Indigenous people in the country account for over 1 million in a population of roughly 18 million.