(The Calvary -HELP- is on the way) 08MAY24- 'The US-Ecuador Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) Onramp to the Ecua Security Sector -

08MAY24- 'The US-Ecuador Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) Onramp to the Ecuador Security Sector Assistance Roadmap- "As captured in the ESSAR, the SOFA should contribute to tangible benefits for the security and stability of Ecuador. The threats faced every day by the citizens of Ecuador require strong defense and security capabilities to confront

an ever-changing environment that includes counterterrorism efforts, countering illicit trafficking, detecting illegal unreported and unregulated fishing (IUUF), and cyber defense. The SOFA will facilitate U.S. support through the provision of joint exercises, training and equipping programs, combined military operations, and other security cooperation activities.

From a public relations perspective, U.S. officials are capitalizing on opportunities to highlight the SOFA with a strategic public messaging campaign that addresses the public’s concerns, highlights mutual benefits, and underscores accountability and respect for Ecuador’s sovereignty:

Emphasize the accountability mechanisms built into the SOFA to hold U.S. personnel accountable for their actions and assure the population that transgressions will be addressed transparently and in accordance with the agreement.

Highlight the economic benefits of the SOFA, such as job creation, infrastructure development, and the increased economic activity associated with hosting U.S. personnel by underlining concrete example (Humanitarian Assistance/Equipment donations)

Encourage open dialogue between community leaders to stress the importance of the partnership to address shared security challenges and shape Ecuador’s future security.

Reiterate the commitment of the U.S. to respect the sovereignty of Ecuador and that the SOFA does not threaten but enhances Ecuador’s ability to enforce its sovereignty.

In summary, the symbiotic relationship of the SOFA and ESSAR set the pathway to achieving strategic objectives by providing the vital legal protections needed by U.S. personnel involved in the planning and execution of operations, activities, and investments. It also enhances Ecuador’s sovereignty and brings tangible benefits to the Ecuadorian economy

through increased U.S. military spending associated with ESSAR-related activities, while building a more capable force. The SOFA and ESSAR established transparent mechanisms for cooperation and represents a mutual commitment between the United States and Ecuador to strengthen security cooperation, support regional stability, and promote the rule of law to build a safer more prosperous future for all...." -

https://dialogo-americas.com/articles/the-us-ecuador-status-of-forces-agreement-onramp-to-the-ecuador-security-sector-assistance-roadmap/

01 May 2024 - ACSQuito@state.gov - Message for U.S. Citizens- Alert: 'Energy Crisis and Nationwide State of Emergency in Ecuador-

 01May 2024 - ACSQuito@state.gov - Message for U.S. Citizens-

Alert: 'Energy Crisis and Nationwide State of Emergency in Ecuador- Location: Nationwide-

Event: Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared April 19 a nationwide state of emergency for a period of 60 days due to “severe internal disturbance and public calamity” in the energy sector. The state of emergency allows additional government resources to be directed towards resolving electricity shortages.

The declaration does not restrict public movement or institute a curfew. For the duration of the state of emergency, U.S. citizen residents and travelers should continue to expect heavy police and military presence throughout Ecuador and planned electrical outages that will significantly impact the availability of services.

--"We are together / United"--

U.S. citizens should continue to refer to the Government of Ecuador’s Ministry of Energy and Mines for outage schedules. Electrical outages vary based on location. Outage schedules will be available on each of Ecuador’s electrical power provider’s websites. Electrical outage schedules posted on the provider’s websites may not be exact and outages may be intermittent and unpredictable.

Be aware that power cuts may affect traffic lights, power in buildings (including elevators) that do not have independent generators, cellular service, and the internet. Shopping centers and restaurants may not be open during a power outage.

Actions to Take:

Monitor announcements from the Ministry of Energy and Mines for information about electrical outages in your area. For information about outages in Quito, visit https://www.eeq.com.ec/.

For information about electrical outages in Guayaquil, visit https://www.cnelep.gob.ec/.

Monitor ECU911 for information on road closures.

Track official communications from the Government of Ecuador for additional information and updates. Follow credible media sources for accurate information on closures, electrical outages, and security threats. Read previous security alerts at ec.usembassy.gov.

Review the Travel Advisory and safety and security information for Ecuador at Travel.State.Gov.

Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram.

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy Quito, Ecuador

+(593)(2) 398-5000

ACSQuito@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil, Ecuador

+(593)(4) 371-7000

ACSGuayaquil@state.gov You may want to check into and consider the STEP Program, if something were to happen while you are here, ((ie: *Natural Disaster, Volcano EarthQuake Tsunami *Civil Unrest, *Loss of Passport, *Major Health Crisis, *Auto or Bus Accident, *Hospitalized, *Locked Up Abroad. etc etc))

The US Emb. 'STEP Program' makes it easier to look for, to find you and to help you out of a situation. - (PS) What is STEP? Benefits of Enrolling in STEP: The - Smart - Traveler - Enrollment - Program,

(STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.: https://step.state.gov/step/

U.S. Embassy Quito-

E12-170 Avigiras Ave. and Ave. Eloy Alfaro

Quito, Ecuador - Phone: +593-2-398-5000,

https://ec.usembassy.gov/

U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil, Ecuador

+(593)(4) 371-7000

+(593)(4) 371-7000 (after hours)

ACSGuayaquil@state.gov

(PSS) USA- Veterans Crisis Hot Line- 1-800-273-8255,

25APR24-💡 "The duration of power outages will be reduced throughout the national territory.

 25APR24-💡 "The duration of power outages will be reduced throughout the national territory. For example, the Quito Electric Company will reduce service cuts from 6 to 4 hours. This was mentioned by the Minister of Energy, Roberto Luque, this April 25. The minister commented that the reduction in the time of the cuts is possible thanks to the fact that the Mazar reservoir increased approximately one meter compared to the conditions on April 24.

He also indicated that the hydrological conditions in Paute and Mazar contribute to the reservoir continuing to fill, which leads to decreases in electrical suspensions throughout the national territory. “We analyze all the technical alternatives to implement changes in the schedules of energy outages.

"We seek to ensure that the decisions do not substantially harm Ecuadorian families," Luque said. Hydroelectric generation was at 73%.

The presence of prolonged rainfall leads to an increase in flow levels, however, the energy emergency persists, which is why immediate action mechanisms are implemented such as the prioritization of economic resources for the installation of 37 generation units in Quevedo and Santo Domingo...." -

https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/economia/se-reduce-el-tiempo-de-cortes-en-todo-el-territorio-en-quito-baja-de-6-a-4-horas-dice-ministro-luque-nota/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0Um_U1Ix2s7nlq4B_okHyrK5QGFjVNfOZ2JnYRN5AW7vmNieQOOhME63A_aem_Af6yGob8HmKPx-Zm2aSSr8UT1uAxuicJw-fBXYtH53Vi1EAeTluNxm3BB1Mpq0QblW7aUpsSgUA1duBgA8kdrAHZ

24APR24- ⚡"The levels of the reservoirs of the main hydroelectric plants in south-central Ecuador:

 24APR24- ⚡"The levels of the reservoirs of the main hydroelectric plants in south-central Ecuador: Mazar, Amaluza and Sopladora are between three and 15 meters above the minimum levels necessary for function, according to reports from the Electric Corporation of Ecuador.  These three reservoirs, which are located in a cascade, are part of the Paute hydroelectricity producing complex. 

The rains recorded in recent days have helped the levels rise, since a week ago they recorded values ​​even below the minimums. When this happens, the plants that depend on these reservoirs must go out of service. The thing is that in these days, alarming reservoir losses were generated that further deepened the electrical crisis that led the country to record blackouts of up to nine hours.

The Mazar elevation, which is located at the highest part of this type of waterfall, was located on April 24 at 2,113 meters. It is a positive figure if you take into account that the minimum is 2,098, however it is still a parameter far from the maximum which is 2,153 meters. Amaluza follows with 1,980 meters. 

That is, five meters above the minimum. This reservoir has a minimum of 1,975 meters and a maximum of 1,991. Finally, Sopladora, whose minimum level is 1,312 and its maximum level is 1,318, is now at 1,315 meters, that is, three meters above the critical level.

Minister Roberto Luque himself explained on the afternoon of April 23 that climatic conditions remained at positive levels and that the basins have increased levels. This has served to somewhat reduce the magnitude of cuts, he commented. 

The minister said that thanks to the rains, the Mazar reservoir has been improved by 1.2 meters between April 21 and 22, and 5 meters since April 17, which for Luque is positive. This has allowed us to open a second unit in Mazar. 

He also assured that it is being monitored day by day. Fernando Salinas, an expert in energy and electrical issues, explains that the water level is still low and comments that the vital liquid is not stored, but is being continuously turbined. This means that it goes to the turbines to generate the necessary electricity. 

On the subject, the government's plan is still unclear. The minister had announced the hiring of barges and the import of gas as measures. However, this has raised doubts among experts. It has even been commented that the minister does not have the necessary experience, which is why he had even proposed creating a technical team with professionals, experts and officials, to find the most effective solutions." - 

https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/economia/cotas-de-embalses-estan-entre-3-y-15-metros-por-encima-de-los-minimos-permitidos-pero-cortes-de-energia-continuan-nota/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2JlQuEmVAofaomUX1_QYqfTtLSkcPVHI6NpIOReQ5jOHVIaSrKbUuKY7I_aem_AZOj7aRX-EoDQMBL2P1B_ZgMFRwRN2-9oaE6DqWOUnIvCtLgAqKRlfICYTjb71cwZWhcYQ5jgIp43oNPoJPEF8de

17APR24- "Ecuador has become the latest country to take delivery of Paramount’s Mbombe 6 infantry combat vehicle.-

 

17APR24- "Ecuador has become the latest country to take delivery of Paramount’s Mbombe 6 infantry combat vehicle. Info Defensa last week reported the first vehicles, painted in an olive green scheme, had been delivered to the Ecuadorian Army, and shared a screengrab of a Mbombe 6 wrapped in protective plastic on the back of a truck. The publication added that Ecuador will deploy its Mbombe 6s on its northern border, in areas affected by the presence of Colombian armed groups, including FARC-EP rebels.

In November 2022, Info Defensa reported that Ecuador had awarded Elbit Systems a $65 million contract for the purchase of 137 Israeli MDT Armor Tiger MKII 4×4 armoured vehicles, and Paramount Mbombe 6 vehicles from South Africa. Ecuador previously acquired 5 700 Arad assault rifles from Israel Weapon Industries.

“Elbit Systems will supply the first fully networked mechanised brigade solution to Ecuador, as part of its modernisation programme for the entire military. The armoured vehicles will be equipped with an E-LynX software-defined radio mobile network solution, a suite of battle management applications, and the Magni vertical take-off and landing mini UAS,” the publication reported.

The Tiger Mk II is a 4×4 armoured vehicle developed from a Dodge RAM 5500 or Ford F550 chassis, with capacities for between eight to 12 crew members, depending on configuration. Combat weight is between 8 and 12 tons. The vehicle can be equipped with a turret for mounting machine guns or grenade launchers or a remotely controlled combat module. The Tiger Mk II is also used by the Mexican police.

The Mbombe 6 was chosen for its mine resistant capabilities, which is a concern on Ecuador’s northern border. Its hull meets STANAG 4569 Level 4, which means the vehicle can withstand a 10 kg TNT blast under its hull or any wheel station. Ballistic protection is to Level 3.

The Mbombe 6×6 weighs 17.3 tonnes empty and has a payload of 5.2 tonnes. The vehicle can carry three crew and eight soldiers.

The Mbombe family (4×4 Mbombe 4, 6×6 Mbombe 6, and 8×8 Mbombe 8) features a flat mine-protected floor, giving a lower and better stability than V-shaped armoured hulls. All three models share 80% common components to reduce through life costs and make training and logistics easier. A six-cylinder diesel gives a top speed of more than 110km/h.

At the DSEI show last year, Paramount said that its Mbombe 6 has been ordered by national defence forces in Latin America and in the Southern African Development Community (SADEC). More than 20 of its next-generation infantry combat vehicles were then in production, with deliveries underway, the company said at the time.

Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE) is building the Mbombe 6 and 8 as the Barys 6 and 8 vehicles for the Kazakh Ministry of Defence, and Paramount has also produced Mbombe 6s for the Jordanian Armed Forces – some of which were transferred to Libya." - 

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/mbombe-6-vehicles-delivered-to-ecuador/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR05EdhxGM8q4BSjPJ6x1ibRNYHA-XGSXFTruTkx0HKDeNX4MKpdmIicguc_aem_ASMtd9GVvnzXO_fChRoSG3xGzFjqJwZWfuQB6zNYN1Mjdiu61OAqghhTxSzWajBts00Q2rOyMgdRCPGA0zAdUGgP

14APR24 - 🔌💡"New power outages at dawn this Monday in several cities in Ecuador. In Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca,

 14APR24 - 🔌💡"New power outages at dawn this Monday in several cities in Ecuador. In Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca, citizens reported a power outage of at least three hours. As reported by users on social networks, the power outage began at approximately 01:00 in several sectors and lasted until 05:00.

🔦🕯 Citizens expressed their complaints to the electrical companies of Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. Given the complaints, the Centrosur company, which supplies Azuay, Cañar and Morona Santiago, reported that the power outage was due to emergency maintenance. The Ministry of Energy said these cuts in electrical service are "temporary disconnections" due to the preventive maintenance that is carried out.

👷‍♂️The power outages occur in the midst of a complicated situation at hydroelectric plants. 🌊 The Mazar reservoir, the largest in the country, is close to reaching its minimum operating limit. There is also a significant drop in the Amaluza reservoir, which supplies the Paute hydroelectric complex. While Colombia reduced the sale of electricity to Ecuador due to the serious drought it is going through...." - https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/ecuador/cortes-de-energia-se-registran-en-varias-ciudades-de-la-costa-este-domingo-nota/?fbclid=IwAR2UAOLiotL3ap33kUVeue8xPuKk0ch-a0GYNUH9GiM78Q-8Ru1Eg2V62ms_aem_AaGWrFuyGu7Y4sdPiTr-wZ2EGg7toJNiDVBsS4LdG3YVXbd8Xn8aYAvD9fJbJaPZUcwxlfVI7WvSeRSZP2-xWT5w

10APR24- ⚖️ "A former Odebrecht executive, José Conceiçao Santos, said he paid bribes to former vice president Jorge Glas.

 10APR24- ⚖️ "A former Odebrecht executive, José Conceiçao Santos, said he paid bribes to former vice president Jorge Glas. His testimony under oath came within the trial taking place in the United States against the former Ecuadorian Comptroller General Carlos Pólit.

Conceiçao said that he did not remember the amount exactly, but that it was between $17 million and $18 million and that he gave it to Glas both in cash and through bank transfers. He also admitted to having paid some $12 million in bribes to Pólit. Some of this information had come out before.

Meanwhile, the former member of the Judiciary Council, Xavier Muñoz, said there was planning among former president Rafael Correa, the former president of the Judiciary Council, Wilman Terán, and the former president of the Citizen Participation Council, Alembert Vera to suspend and dismiss the attorney general, Diana Salazar. They were allegedly trying to annul Correa's sentence for bribery.

Muñoz testified about a meeting in a hotel in Brasil, in mid-2023, in which Rafael Correa personally told him that they as a political movement are going to analyze political support in the bloc, but he clarified that Muñoz has to support Wilman Terán. Terán was also the judge who allegedly prepared the precautionary measure that freed Jorge Glas from prison in 2022.

And Correismo lost a seat in the Assembly after the resignation of Xavier Jurado. He was one of the seven assembly members of Correismo who, at the end of March, broke the party line and voted in favor of the government's Tourism Law...." -

https://www.eluniverso.com/noticias/politica/pague-sobornos-a-jorge-glas-en-efectivo-y-en-transferencias-ratifica-jose-conceicao-santos-en-estados-unidos-nota/?fbclid=IwAR2UmIP1jtQi6dn5Vp1gFc8mC3lcPjV-hq5cqy7lvtCqhkWYAeNvTqvpq6A_aem_AUM68PXo12AY_2wMQYO6Sl4uAhhrnuB5vDS3kb93tNYpv8zoXBxrhzqENYsu1raxxkAbiC8o8-lHMt-YmZp2zNbT