No Trial for Patiño in “Diplomatic Suitcase” Case

Yesterday, the Oversight Committee of the Ecuadorian Assembly, with government party majority, decided to file the request for impeachment against the Foreign Minister Ricardo Patiño.

Assemblyman Fernando Aguirre (PSP) wanted Patiño to face, among other things, the political responsibility that he would have as Chancellor, because from that ministry it was sent to Milan (Italy) a pouch with 40 kilograms of liquid cocaine.

The case began on Jan. 11, when the Foreign Ministry agreed on sending a promotional material of Ecuador for a play at the request of citizen Christian Loor. In that material it was hid drugs. Last Tuesday, the Legislative Board called the impeachment request.

Galo Lara (PSP party), Dennys Cevallos (PRE party) and independents Alfredo Ortiz, the deputy Luis Morales (Prian party) and Thomas Zevallos cast their vote in favor of starting the process against Patiño. Zevallos asked the Alianza País block allow the Chancellor to go to the Assembly to transparent facts. But his request was not heard. (FL)