All amounts in U.S. dollars. Numbers in italics are estimates, usually based on the closest year for which data are available.

All amounts in U.S. dollars. Numbers in italics are estimates, usually based on the closest year for which data are available.

All amounts in U.S. dollars.

All amounts in U.S. dollars.

Document: Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Program and Budget Guide, Fiscal Year 2010

Program: International Narcotics Control Economic Aid

FY 2010 Program Drug Awareness/Demand Reduction This project will help to counter Ecuadorian public misunderstandings and disinformation regarding the true nature of illicit drug use, terrorism and other transnational challenges, along with a better understanding of U.S. policies and activities by increasing public awareness of the dangers of drug abuse and disseminating information about abuse prevention. The project will also directly support drug awareness projects operated by the GOE. This will include a series of workshops in six key cities throughout the country, and provide program development, training, manuals and brochures which are estimated to reach 1,250 professionals and community leaders. 283 Western Hemisphere Money Laundering Ecuador is a dollar-based economy with weak government controls in place to monitor and discourage the flow of laundered funds. The country produces chemical precursors and is a transit corridor for diverted chemicals. This project will provide training and equipment to assist the GOE with recently formed financial investigative and chemical control units, as well as the requisite enforcement units.

Document: Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Program and Budget Guide, Fiscal Year 2010

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcementq

Program Objectives and Performance Indicators

Interdiction

Strengthen Ecuadorian National Police (ENP) and military forces' capability to dismantle major drug trafficking organizations.

• ENP maintains effective control of airports, seaports, and land routes otherwise used by traffickers to transport illegal narcotics and precursor chemicals.



• Ecuadorian military is able to conduct enhanced interdiction operations along land and maritime borders with improved mobility, and communications.

Document: Ecuador’s "Amazonas" train with U.S. military to become "River Rats”

Recognizing the importance of Riverine operations, the U.S. Military Group in Ecuador, in partnership with the Ecuadorian Army, began training together in October to enhance the capabilities of jungle units to control the rivers in their zones.

"In the dense jungle environment the rivers serve as lines of communication for groups like the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to conduct logistical support and illicit trafficking," said Maj. Michael L. Burgoyne, a Foreign Area Officer with U.S. Military Group Ecuador.

At the request of the Ecuadorian government, the Ecuadorian Army and the U.S. Military Group have been working together since 2007 to create, train and deploy small boat units in jungle terrain and along the border with Colombia. In a recent three week course, held in Coca, soldiers from the Ecuadorian 4th Division "Amazonas" mastered formations, Riverine patrolling, insertions, extractions and battle drills. During the course, the term "River Rats" was used to describe the Ecuadorian soldiers who will take their knowledge to the northern border with Colombia and the deepest reaches of the Ecuadorian Amazon.

The training received enhanced the ability of the Ecuadorian Army to deploy their contingency of more than 40 boats and three Riverine battalions consisting of more than 550 personnel. These soldiers will be able to access remote outposts often only accessible by boat or helicopter, thereby preventing FARC units from establishing camps in Ecuador and preventing the flow of illegal drugs through the border.

The relationships built and sustained with multinational partners in the Central and South American region through exercises, professional and military exchanges help tremendously in preserving peace and stability in the region. Since the Ecuadorian soldiers understand the U.S. commitment to the region, the two-year program has been successful in turning Soldiers into "River Rats."

In conjunction with Vector Watercraft, a U.S.-based company, the U.S. Military Group also provided equipment upgrades to the Ecuadorian Army Riverine Program. As part of the program, the Ecuadorians have received numerous new and refitted patrol boats. These boats are equipped with water-jet engines and do not have the limitations of the outboard motors currently in use. With these new craft, the Ecuadorians can work in even the shallowest rivers to accomplish their mission.

Document: PANAMAX: Teamwork against terrorism

Program: Exercises

Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX is an annual exercise tailored to the defense of the Panama Canal against transnational threats. PANAMAX 2009 is designed to address a spectrum of possible threats, including terrorist acts against the canal, to ensure a multinational force can respond to any request for support from the Government of Panama while respecting national sovereignty.

Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX is an annual exercise tailored to the defense of the Panama Canal against transnational threats. PANAMAX 2009 is designed to address a spectrum of possible threats, including terrorist acts against the canal, to ensure a multinational force can respond to any request for support from the Government of Panama while respecting national sovereignty.

Ultimately Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX is about working together and learning from each other in order to promote trust and foster willingness for continued collaboration and teamwork. PANAMAX offers the opportunity to strengthen the ability to operate together which ultimately strengthens security of the hemisphere.

Participants and observers include forces from Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the United States and Uruguay. The ground portion of the exercise is being conducted at Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, both in San Antonio from Sept. 13-21.

Document: 2008 Posture Statement

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

Procedures

The NAS Director has overall responsibility for End Use Monitoring. The NAS FSN program specialist coordinates the activities of the FSN inventory assistant and FSN project assistant who conducts the physical inventory verification. The NAS Deputy Director resolves problems that might arise during the inventory and reviews the final product prior to submission for the Director's approval.

NAS personnel labeled newly-purchased commodities and those from previous years which had not been labeled. Inventories of sites with only small volumes of donated commodities are verified in the course of project site visits by any NAS personnel.

The NAS also sends inventory lists to each receiving authority (DNA, Military, DEA, DHS) who is asked to compare post's provided lists with their inventory and comment on the status of each item in writing within two weeks of the delivery of the lists. The NAS then determines if a visit to each individual location is required based on the number of items in the inventory for that particular location and/or the number of items whose status cannot be determined per the requested written verification from each entity.

During 2007, the NAS continued to support the Ecuadorian National Police (ENP) Anti-Narcotics Division (DNA) with vehicles, communications equipment, computer equipment, field gear and construction projects.

Post maintains regular and frequent contact with the National Anti-Drug (DNA) and Intelligence Division to allow close monitoring of donated material. NAS staff performs random, sample inventories when visiting outlying DNA offices and checkpoints.

Status

Defense Articles

The Ecuadorian Army's 19th Brigade includes a Boston Whaler located in Puerto El Carmen. In addition, there are 100 HP Johnson O/B motors (19); trailers (4); Zodiac boats (4); and 40 HP Motors (4) donated by USMILGP.

Weapons/Ammunition-The Ecuadorian National Police (ENP) Anti-Drug Division (DNA) received 743 Pistols Sigeauer and Beretta 9MM from the USMILGP in 2000. Those weapons are in use and in good condition. They are located as follows: Pichincha (144); Orellana (10); Manabi (53); Azuay (15); Los Rios (24); Tungurahua (10); Carchi (33); Imbabura (50); Esmeraldes (21); Morona Santiago (10); Sucumbios (16); Galapagos (4); Guayas (136); GEMA (138); El Oro (20); Napo (5); Cotopaxi (5); Chimborazo (6); Loja (30); Puyo (10); and Bolivar (3).

The USMILGP also donated 500 Colt-AR15 M-16 guns as part of the 506 (a) drawdown. They were distributed to ENP units as follows: Pichincha (66); Guayas (71); GEMA (149); Imbabura (29); Carchi (20); Esmeraldas (35); Manabi (21); Tungurahua (5); Los Rios (10); El Oro (10); Azuay (5); Napo (8); Cotopaxi (5); Chimbozo (5); Sucumbios (15); Loja (20); Orellana (40); Puyo (3); Galpagos (2). The DNA received 597 flak vests from the 506 (a) Drawdown in 1999. They were distributed as follows: Pichincha (154); Guayas (73); GEMA (127); Imbabura (9); Carchi (19); Esmeraldas (29); Manabi (34); Los Rios (5); Guayas (5); Manabi (20); Imbabura (6); El Oro (49); Azuay (10); Napo (3); Cotopaxi (9); Chimborazo (4); Sucumbios (16); Loja (20); Morona Santiago (3); Orellana (6), Puyo (10); Orellana 6, Puyo 10. One was lost and 16 were auctioned. All but 30 are due for replacement.

The DNA received 371 helmets from the 506 (a) Drawdown. They were distributed to the various ENP offices as follows: GEMA (100); Carchi (19); Esmeraldas (26); Tunguragua (4); El Oro (44); Azuay (10); Napa (5); Chimborazo (4); Caar (10); Sucumbios (12); Morona Santiago (5); Puyo (7).

The NAS donated 118 HMMWV's and 76 five-ton trucks to the Ecuadorian Army in 2003 for northern border use. These vehicles are assigned to Ecuadorian military units at the following locations and are in working condition:

HMMWV's-Tulcan (12); Santa Cecilia (12); Esmeraldes (30); Lago Agrio (12); Putumayo (6); Ibarro (12); Coca (4); Shushufindi (12); San Lorenzo (7); Machachi (5); Manta (3); Military Maintenance shop (3).

Five-ton Trucks-Tulcan (5); Santa Cecelia (5); Esmeraldas (23); Lago Agrio (5); Ibarro (4); Putumayo (2); Quevedo (4); Latacunga (3); Shushufindi (6); San Lorenzo (13); and Military Maintenance shop (6).

In support of its peace-keeping troops working under the United Nations in Haiti, the Ecuadorian Army (ECA) sent, without NAS permission, five USG-donated 5-ton trucks to Haiti. With host country funds, the ECA purchased sixty 5-ton trucks from the same excess U.S. military lot as the trucks donated by NAS. Five of the 60 trucks replaced those sent to Haiti; the replacement was competed in 2006. Spare parts for Military tactical vehicle were purchased during 2007 for $1.6 M for Northern Border Military Operations.

Vehicles

The NAS provides support for all USG-donated vehicles totaling 190 cars/trucks/vans buses and 92 motorcycles. In 2007, the NAS purchased 36 vehicles and 17 motorcycles and auctioned 20 vehicles and 10 motorcycles in poor mechanical condition. In addition, three vehicles are out-of-service and will be sold at auction. Proceeds from auctions are being recycled into replacement vehicles and motorcycles. All of the vehicles donated through 506 drawdown are out of service and will be sold as scrap. One hundred eighty-seven (187) vehicles and 93 motorcycles are in operable condition. The vehicles are assigned to the following counternarcotics units throughout Ecuador: Pichincha (56); Guayas (26); Carchi (9); Esmeraldas (5); El Ora (2); Loja (3); Manab (3); Azuay (2); Tugurahua (1); Imbabura (3); Cotopaxi (1); Sucumios (5); Napo (1); GEMA (17); SIU (36); COAC (5); Pastaza (1); Judicial Plice (1); and Military (19).

The motorcycles are assigned to the following locations: Pichincha (15); Guayas (6); Carchi (3); Sucumbos (5); Esmeraldas (2); Loja (3); Imbabura (4); Azuay (2); Manab (4); El Oro (2); Cotopaxi (1); Tungurhua (1); Bolvar (1), Napo (1); Orellana (2); Chimborazo (1); Zamora (1), GEMA (16) COAC (5); Judicial Police (4); SIU (35); Military (15), Aeropolitical (3).

In 2007, the NAS started the process of purchasing 58 pickup trucks, 17 automobiles, 9 taxis, 7 vans, 4 cargo trucks, 3 mid-size buss, and 69 motorcycles through RPSO in Florida. The majority of this purchase will be a fleet expansion for the Ecuadorian Anti-Narcotics Police. Approximately 20% of this purchase will replace vehicles and motorcycles to be sold at auction.

The NAS has established Blanket Purchase Orders (BPA's) with several repair shops. Repair and maintenance needs are evaluated by NAS personnel and the vehicles are sent to appropriate shops for the necessary work. The NAS keeps records of vehicle maintenance; maintains a tire stock; and furnishes a fixed amount of fuel for operations by the donated vehicles throughout Ecuador.

Aircraft

The Eurocopter helicopter donated to the Ecuadorian Marines is housed in Santo Domingo e los Colorados, in Pichincha province. NAS does not provide fuel, maintenance or spare parts. However, the NAS monitors flight hours and general use of helicopter.

Communications Equipment

The NAS currently supports the Ecuadorian National Police Communications with 22 repeater stations, 38 base stations, 75 mobile units, 475 portable hand-held radios (walkie-talkies), 2 manpack HF radios, and 1 HF base radio. All equipment is provided with full accessories. The equipment is distributed throughout the country. The NAS donated 262 Motorola Portable hand-held radios to the ENP in 2006.

The DNA has 16 HT-1000 and 71 Motorola Saber radios. Twenty of the 71 Saber radios were previously used by the NAS-supported, DHS-guided Anti-alien Smuggling Police Intelligence Unit (COAC) but were returned to the DNA in 2005. Currently, those 20 radios are inoperable and stored at the ENP warehouse.

The Ecuadorian Army (the 19th Jungle brigade, Coca) has 87 Manpack VHF radios, chargers and accessories that were donated in FY-2002. The equipment was upgraded and repaired by the manufacturer in 2006 and is still in working condition. In 2007, the NAS started the process of purchasing new communications equipment through INL.

Computer Equipment

The NAS completed the upgrade of the computer equipment provided to the DNA. Two hundred ninety-three computers (293), 91 printers, 117 digital cameras, 35 scanners, 14 servers, 51 laptops were distributed throughout Ecuador at the following antinarcotics facilities:

Computers-Pichincha (158); Guayas (67); Imbabura (6); Carchi (10);Esmeraldas (4); Tungurahua (4); Los Rios (2); El Oro (4); Canar (1); Azuay (3); Napo (1); Zamora (2); Cotopaxi (3); Chimborazo (2); Orellana (2); Sucumbios (4); Pastaza (2) Manabi (9); Loja (1); Galapagos (3); Bolivar (1); Morona (1); San Lorenzo (3).

Printers-Pichincha (27); Guayas (28); Imbabura (3); Carchi (5); Esmeraldas (21); Tungurahua (1); Los Rios (2); El Oro (2); Canar (1); Azuay (1); Napo (1); Zamora (1); Cotopaxi (2); Orellana (1); Sucumbios (1); Pastaza (1); Manabi (8); Loja (1); Galapagos (1); Puyo (1).

Digital Cameras-Pichincha (51); Guayas (18); Imbabura (6); Carchi (4); Esmeraldas (5); Los Rios (1); Canar (1); Azuay (1); Napo (2); Zamora (1); Cotopaxi (2); Chimborazo (1); Orellana (1); Sucumbios (4); Pastaza (1); Manabi (6); Loja (3); Galapagos (2); Bolivar (1); Morona (1); Puyo (1).

Laptops-Pinchincha (23); Guayas (4); Carchi (1); Esmeraldas (1); Tungurahua (1); Los Rios (1); El Oro (1); Azuay (1); Zamora (1); Chimborzao 1; Sucumbios (1); Pastaza (1); Manabi (3); Loja (2); Galapagos (1); Napo (1). The NAS donated 7 laptops to the Ecuadorian Military in Sucumbios.

Scanners-Pichinchi (14); Guayas (15); Imbabura (2); Carchi (2); Esmeraldas (1); El Oro (1); Sucumbios (1); Manabi (3).

Servers-Pichincha (7); Guayas (6); Carchi (1).

The NAS delivered the following computer equipment to DNA's warehouse that will be distributed to the various units: 120 CPU's, 120 monitors, 46 Notebooks, 33 printers, 140 UPS', 30 multifunctional. 34 faxes, 50 camcorders, 40 digital cameras, 1 mixer, 20 hard drives, 10 external hard drives, 20 memories for printers, 20 hard drives for printers, 20 fusor for printers, 5 adopters for flat panel monitors, 200 toners, 4 cable UPS.'

DEA donated 16 CPU's to the SIU group.

Canine Unit

NAS/Ecuador has been providing technical assistance, food and supplies to the Ecuadorian National Police's Canine Training Center (CAC) located in Quito since its inception, as well as to the canine units deployed at Ecuador's major airports. The canine program has been the pride of the ENP and accounts for nearly all of the drug interdictions in Ecuador. There are 79 dogs in the canine unit donated by the NAS. They are located as follows: Pichincha (20); Guayas (21); Manta (8); Machala (5); Mascarillas (7); Carchi (6); Cotopaxi (3) San Lorenzo (3); San Jeronimo (3); Esmeraldas (3).

Vessels

Three 27-foot launches were donated to the Ecuadorian Marines to provide them better capability to patrol the extensive water systems on the border with Mario province in Colombia. All of the boats are located in San Lorenzo and are in good working condition.

Eleven (11) Zodiacs for the Ecuadorian Military are at the warehouse for distribution.

Construction Projects

The following construction projects were completed in 2007: dining room and kitchen for CICC DNI, Quito; adaptation of kennels for the Canine Center at Quito airport; remodeling offices and troop barracks for canine unit at Port Guayaquil; enlargement of troop barracks for the Canine Training Center, Quito; construction of fence and cover for kennels at Manta Port; remodeling facilities of Pinchincha headquarters Anti-Drug Police JPAP, Quito; remodeling of office for the Judicial Police, Quito; adaptation of barracks & construction of kennels for the Anti-narcotics Police, Lago Agtio; training rooms for dogs at the Canine Training Center, Quito; diesel tank for generator at San Jeronimo Police checkpoint; remodeling of kennels for the Canine Training Center, Quito; construction of the warehouse for CONSEP Guayaquil; enlargement of GEMA Police Check Point in Baeza; construction of kennels for the Police Canine Unit, Santo Domingo; remodeling of offices dormitories at the Canine Training Center, Quito; construction of temporary kennels for the Canine Unit at the Airport, Guayaquil; remodeling of office & dormitories at the Canine Unit, Santo Domingo; remodeling of maintenance workshop for BAL 72, Quito; remodeling of workshop for tactical vehicles for Ecuadorian Navy, Esmeraldas; adaptation of a maintenance workshop for adaptation of tactical vehicles at Esmeraldas; adaptation of a maintenance workshop for tactical vehicles for BI 39 Galo Molina, Tulcn; design and construction of the C-130 workshop enlargement for FAE, Quito; enlargement of workshop and construction of parking area for tactical vehicles for Ecuadorian Navy, San Lorenzo; maintenance workshop for tactical vehicles in Santa Cecilia; design and construction of a tactical tower for Ecuadorian Army Maldonado, Carchi; construction of shelters for ECU Army, Esmeraldas; construction of shelters for the ECU Army, Esmeraldas; integrated police Check Point in San Jersnimo, Imbabura; maintenance workshop for tactical vehicles for GCM-36 Yahuachi, Ibarra; police port inspection facilities in Puerto Bolivar, El Oro; aero Police Control Base in Santo Doming de los Colorados; Carchi Antinarcotics police headquarters in Tulen; police inspection facilities in Esmeraldas; construction of barracks and offices for canine training center CAC, Quito; construction of barracks and offices for canine airport unit, Guayaquil; construction Sansahuari military base, Sucumbios; construction and remodeling of Villamar Cooper Military Base, Sucumbios; Perimeter fence and additional works, Lago Agrio; GYE port inspection remodeling, Guayaquil; helipad construction, San Lorenzo; Ecuadorian Navy helipad, Esmeraldas; construction of a pier for the Ecuadorian Navy, San Lorenzo.

Field Gear

In 2006, the NAS purchased significant amounts of field gear for the Ecuadorian military under military programs budget: 32 binoculars; 70 expandable batons; 255 trauma kits; 145 compasses; 590 canteens; 262 backpacks, 375 hats; 75 belts; 1076 tactical gloves; 166 flashlights; 1115 sleeping pads; 23 tactical life preservers; 50 tactical lights; 100 boots; 85 overalls; 480 hammocks; 100 pepper spray; 11 head mounts; 32 GPS; 150 tactical harnesses; 360 ponchos; 150 florescent jackets; 8 overalls; 360 ponchos; 140 boots; 240 flashlights, 175 handcuffs, 818 fast rope system, 20 ascending snap links. Not all gear has arrived in country. Field gear donated by NAS is in proper use subject to normal attrition.

New tactical gear equipment recently provided to the Ecuadorian Military include the following: ultra duty belts (60), handcuff pouches (60), radio pouches (60); glove pouches (60), logo handcuff keys (60), compact light holder (6), expandable baton holders (60); tactical application gloves (60); surefire 6P flashlights (60); millennium level II body armor (60); military handcuffs peerless (60); industrial light sticks (60); sleeping bags (60); narco tests squad kits (3) classic hydration kits (3).

The following field gear was recently purchased for the National Police: florescent jackets (150), handcuffs (4), overalls (8), tactical harnesses (415), boots (140), flashlights (240).

The following equipment has been procured for distribution to DNA/GEMA: Life body armor (280), trauma plates (280), life level AII body armor (60); flex cuff restraints (4,000), traffic cones (60), CP cordless rechargeable spot (55), ponchos (255), Mag-lites 2 D cell (100), flashlights (250), goggles (20). M-3 medic bags (30), smoke grenades (150), tents (280), portable stretcher black (20).

Miscellaneous

The NAS provided the DNA with 18 emergency generators in previous years. They are in service at the operational units as follows: Pinchincha (1); Guayas (3); Manta (2); Sucumbios (2); Baeza (2); Carchi (2); San Lorenzo (1); San Jeronimo (2); Machala (2); Napo (1).

The NAS provided three portable Ion scanners in 2003. They are located in Tulcan (1); LaAgo Agrio (1) and Guayas (2), Machala. (1), Manta (1), Baeza (1).

Two digital X-ray machines are located at the Quito and Guayaquil airports and at the Ecuadorian post office. The X-ray machine at the Guayaquil airport is out-of-service after a passenger struck the machine in anger in refusing to submit to an X-ray examination by police.

Field gear donated by the NAS is in proper use subject to normal attrition, war and tear.

Emergency generators (18) donated by NAS to DNA in previous years are in service at the following operational units: Pichincha (1), Guayas (3), Manabi (2), Sucumbios (2), Baeza (2), Carchi (2), San Lorenzo (1), San Jeronimo (2), Machala (2), Napo (1).

Problems

No particular problems were encountered. There are no indications of systemic abuses of human rights involving USG assistance or the recipients of USG assistance.

Impact

U.S. Government assistance is crucial to the counternarcotics program of the ENP. The central funding received from the National Police by the Anti-Drug Division covers only salaries and basic administrative expenses, aside from about 30 vehicles procured for DNA by the ENP in 2002 and 2003. The NAS and DEA provide almost all logistical and operational support to the Ecuadorian National Police Anti-Drug Division.

Drug seizures and arrest statistics for calendar year 2007 were (metric tons):

Seizures

Cocaine hydrochloride

21.82

Coca Base/paste

.65

Cocaine total

22.47

Heroin

.18

Cannabis

.74

Drug Laboratories

2.00

Arrests

3,034.00

Document: Opening Ceremony Kicks Off FA PANAMAX 2009

Program: Exercises

More than 4,500 personnel from 20 countries began a 12-day exercise here Friday to train in a joint, multinational effort to ensure the security of the Panama Canal.

FA PANAMAX 2009 is one of the largest multinational training exercises in the world, and is taking place in the waters off the coasts of Panama from Sept. 11-22 with the participation of civil and military forces.

More than 20 vessels and a dozen aircraft are involved in the exercises. Participants are focusing on a variety of responses to any request from the Government of Panama to protect and guarantee safe passage of traffic through the Panama Canal, ensure its neutrality, and respect national sovereignty. Simulated ground forces are also participating at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.

The FA PANAMAX 2009 exercise scenario includes sea-based training devoted to maritime interdiction operations, including visit, boarding, search and seizure. Virtual land-based training in San Antonio, Texas, will focus on command and control, stability operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief operations.

FA PANAMAX 2009 participating nations include: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, United States and Uruguay. France and Mexico are scheduled to participate as observers. The Conference of Central American Armies, the Organization of American States and the United Nations will also participate.

Document: FY 2010 Congressional Budget Justification for Foreign Operations

U.S. foreign assistance to Ecuador focuses on strengthening democracy and creating a prosperous, privatesector- based, market economy as the country pursues new policy initiatives that have changed government institutions and resulted in a new publicly approved constitution.

Peace and Security: The United States will bolster counter-narcotics operations by modernizing police and military capabilities in interdiction, evidence gathering, strengthening port and maritime controls, and providing support for police and military presence in strategic locations. Security assistance will enhance the Ecuadorian military’s ability to control its national territory, thereby denying terrorist organizations, including illegal Colombian armed groups, areas to train and organize. U.S. programs will reinforce the principles of civilian control of the military, respect for human rights, and effective resource management. The United States also plans to support the Government of Ecuador’s (GOE) work in de-mining, particularly in the southern border area with Peru where mines left from the border skirmish in the mid-90s still pose a threat to the local population. Training, equipment upgrades, and infrastructure improvements for de-mining training facilities will enhance Ecuador’s capabilities in this critical area.

The United States will partner with the GOE and local businesses to create new legitimate jobs and raise incomes for vulnerable groups in the border regions by helping small producers and private businesses access supply and value chains. U.S. programs will support local government efforts to strengthen their ability to deliver basic services (including drinking water and sewerage) and productive infrastructure (roads, bridges, and irrigation canals), and to expand citizen participation in and oversight of local decision-making. Funds for alternative development will increase economic opportunities and improve the livelihoods of an additional 40,000 persons.

Governing Justly and Democratically: Strengthening democracy and democratic institutions remains a top U.S. priority in Ecuador. The United States will partner with Ecuadorians to promote effective local governance, strengthen key democratic institutions under a new constitution, promote consensus-building, support participation of citizens in political and other democratic processes, and improve access to justice for vulnerable populations. U.S. assistance to local governments will improve services and implement programs that promote transparency and respond to citizen priorities. In partnership with the first Ecuadorian legislature elected under the 2008 constitution, the United States will provide technical assistance and training to help new legislators be responsive and accountable to the people. Civil society, particularly women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities, will receive support to participate fully in political processes. U.S. programs also will support Ecuadorian efforts to fight corruption. To ensure more equitable access to justice, specific activities will help improve the quality of justice services by training prosecutors, 596 judges, and the judicial police.

Investing in People: The United States will work with national and local governments to expand and rehabilitate water supply and sanitation infrastructure and to establish community-based operation and maintenance systems. U.S. assistance will increase household-level understanding of hygiene through health education activities to prevent disease among mothers and children. U.S. assistance will also support improvements in infrastructure and the integration of disabled or socially excluded workers in the workforce.

Economic Growth: The United States will work with national and provincial governments and business groups to improve their ability to identify potential local and foreign investors, to strengthen and expand by 50 percent the network of provincial economic development agencies created in FY 2007, and to increase the productive capacity of ten economic sectors selected in 2008 in consultation with the GOE. U.S. programs will support Ecuadorian policy reform efforts aimed at improving legal and administrative procedures in areas such as competitiveness, small enterprise development, and foreign investment.

U.S. environment programs will continue to work with Ecuador’s national and local governments, indigenous organizations, the private sector, and the non-governmental community to improve the sustainable management of protected areas and forests, which are fundamental to preserving Ecuador’s unique biodiversity. Work will focus on ecotourism and the management of protected areas, indigenous lands and watersheds. U.S. and local partners will expand the number of hectares under improved management, work to increase tourism revenues in protected areas, improve management of critical habitat, and support decentralized management of forest and water resources.

Document: International Narcotics Control Strategy Report

The USG supports Ecuador's efforts and encourages the GOE to continue to place a high priority on the interdiction of illicit drugs and chemicals, eradication of coca cultivation near the Colombian border, and destruction of cocaine-producing labs. Increased GOE patrols near the Colombian border, which the USG will continue to support, will enable Ecuador to better control Colombian based drug cartels and destroy production sites. As traffickers shift tactics and make greater use of fast boats for smaller shipments along the coast, containers, and SPSS's, enhanced controls along Ecuador's maritime border, including improved port security, patrolling, and inspections, will be essential tools for controlling maritime trafficking. Strengthening coordination between military and police forces will also facilitate GOE evidence gathering and prosecution of cases related to these activities. Additionally, we encourage the GOE to give high priority to prosecution of money laundering and official corruption, which are key to attacking the leadership of narcotics cartels.

Document: International Narcotics Control Strategy Report

Policy Initiatives. U.S. counternarcotics assistance is provided to improve the professional capabilities, equipment, and integrity of Ecuador's police, military, and judicial agencies to enable them to combat more effectively criminal organizations involved in narcotics trafficking and money laundering. A U.S. priority has been to support Ecuadorian police and military presence in the northern border region proximate to Colombia, and police presence in other strategically important locations throughout the country. USG programs also support increased awareness of the dangers of drug abuse.

Bilateral Cooperation. In 2008, the U.S. continued to provide support to the military to facilitate their mobility and communications during operations near the Northern Border, and to Ecuadorian Navy elements to better mobilize, equip, and train for narcotics interdiction activities.

The DNA remains the primary recipient of U.S.-provided counternarcotics assistance, including vehicles, equipment, and training. The DNA includes special nation-wide units such as Mobile Anti-Narcotics Teams (GEMA), and a drug detection canine program, which contributed to a second consecutive year of high levels of land seizures.

Cooperation in the judicial sector remained strong in 2008 although changes to the structure of judicial institutions as required under the new Constitution (passed in September), created some uncertainty regarding the process of criminal cases. A major U.S.-funded American Bar Association training program continued to provide prosecutors, judges, and judicial police throughout the country with training to strengthen their ability to effectively investigate and prosecute criminal cases. The USG, in cooperation with the National Judicial Council, continued nationwide implementation of an automated database of all criminal cases (a process begun in 2003). This database is in the process of being installed nationwide in all 24 provinces, it will enhance management and transparency of the adjudication of criminal cases to help address perennial problems of delay and corruption. Some preliminary reports have been produced from courthouses where the system is already in place.

The U.S. also provided technical assistance and equipment to support continued implementation of the Financial Intelligence Unit, as well as police investigative units. Training assistance programs encompassed anti-money laundering, financial crimes, and maritime law enforcement.

Document: Section 1209 Report to Congress on Foreign-Assitance Related Programs Carried out by the Department of Defense

Program: Humanitarian and Civic Assistance

Projects support USSOUTHCOM TSC goal to shape the environment by promoting democracy, regional prosperity, and stability.