Cablegate: Ecuador: Did Gutierrez Formally Resign?

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS QUITO 000880

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL EC
SUBJECT: ECUADOR: DID GUTIERREZ FORMALLY RESIGN?

REF: QUITO 871

1. (SBU) Former President Lucio Gutierrez' resignation was
de facto, having been forced to abandon the Presidential
Palace on the afternoon of April 20 due to large-scale
protests and the withdrawal of military support. He did not
prepare and submit a formal written resignation, as he was
forced to leave the Presidential palace via helicopter from
the roof with great haste. Gutierrez, who is now sought for
arrest, has made no television or other public declarations
or appearances since leaving the palace. Former Presidential
Secretary Carlos Polit told DCM on April 21 that it was

SIPDIS
highly unlikely the President would offer a resignation
letter.
KENNEY

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