QUITO (Reuters) – Ecuador said yesterday it had expelled the US ambassador to Quito to defend President Rafael Correa’s honour, even though the move could damage relations with its largest trade partner.
The OPEC member demanded on Tuesday that US envoy Heather Hodges leave, declaring her “persona non grata” over US diplomatic cables reporting alleged police corruption that were released by WikiLeaks.
The Ecuadorean government said the cables signed by Hodges’ office suggested senior Ecuadorean police commanders were aware of corrupt practices in the force and that one US embassy official believed Correa’s office also knew.
Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino said yesterday the
