Ecuador responds to Panama about retention of the Doria boat

The vessel Doria, who was seized in the port of Manta by the National Navy of Ecuador, can not leave the country due to a paperwork problem, according to the Attorney general of Ecuador, Galo Chiriboga, who claims that there are no clear records that the boat belongs to Panama as its Foreign Ministry claimed.

Chiriboga said that the prosecution has no objection for Panama to assume jurisdiction of the boat that remains in Manta, however, for this to happen, the country will have to prove that Doria holds its flag. The official added that Ecuador is willing to comply with its international commitments provided as long as the case is judged and sanctioned.

The Attorney General added that the issue of the boat has nothing to do with the situation of Galo Lara, to whom Panama granted political asylum.

“Ecuador is not a blackmailer country, it is a country that complies with its international obligations and aspires  the others to meet theirs”, said Chiriboga.

In addition to Panama, the prosecution of Ecuador called Colombia and a Central American nation for verification of ownership of the vessel.