ECUADOREAN PROTESTERS BLOCK ROAD INFRONT OF MILITARY VEHICLES, 2000-01-19 (photo)

Ecuadorian indigenous protesters block a road as a military convoy waits in the background, during the protests called by indigenous leaders against Jamil Mahuad's government, near Otavalo 114 Km north of Quito, January 18. Ecuador's indigenous peoples have been mustered by their leaders to descend on Quito to protests against the economic crisis which has beseeched their country. Ecuadorian President Jamil Mahuad changed his country's economy to be based on the U.S. dollar in an attempt to control galloping inflation just over a week ago. This drastic measure has met with a mixed response, but has split his opposition and calmed protests which threatened to overthrow him. The indigenous protests are Mahuad's last obstacle. GG