Turkey voices concern over rising tension in Ecuador

ANKARA Turkey Thursday raised concern over rising tension in Ecuador triggered by nationwide strikes and demonstrations. "We are concerned with the rise of tension following the demonstrations in Ecuador recently," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "We attach importance to the protection of constitutional order in Ecuador and hope that the differences of opinion will be resolved by common sense and dialogue on the basis of respect for democracy and the constitution," read the statement. A nationwide strike by transport workers and taxi drivers against the elimination of the subsidies led to protests and violence. Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno declared a two-month state of emergency on Thursday and said his Cabinet is determined not to change the decision on "those perverse subsidies that were damaging the country." Ecuador, a country straddling the equator on South America’s west coast, has seen numerous street protests in the past which forced the resignation of three presidents.