Ecuador Backs Democracy

The Ecuadorian Ambassador to the United States said last night at Dudley House that the key to "modernization" for his country is to switch from an authoritarian to a more democratic government.

"We have old-fashioned legal institutions, emphasizing dictatorship, which must be replaced with a more democratic form of government," said Edgar Teran before a group of about 60.

Teran said more progressive ideas on education and intellectual rights are developing in Ecuador. He said "intellectual property laws" are being passed to help protect the works of authors and other artists.

The ambassador also criticized an Ecuadorian law which makes it illegal to create a new university in Ecuador without the approval of the 17 other universities. "That's stupid. It's not human. We have to change that," he said.

Teran said his country shares the U.S. government's concern about pollution and the environment. He also said he wanted to enhance trade between Ecuador and the U.S.

"Ecuador is well on the way to freedom, open markets, and democracy," Teran said. "Absolutely no one can stop that destiny."