World

Ecuador Declares State of Emergency in 3 Regions Over Venezuelan Refugee Influx

MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) – The government of Ecuador on Wednesday introduced a state of emergency in three provinces of the country due to the influx of refugees from Venezuela, the Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry said.
Sputnik

The state of emergency is in place in Carchi, Pichincha and El Oro provinces, the ministry specified, adding that the measure would last at least until September.

"We reacted in a timely manner. The state of emergency is introduced for the first time to give an effective and substantial response in favor of the people who come to Ecuador," Deputy Foreign Minister Santiago Chavez was quoted as saying by the ministry.

READ MORE: Venezuela to Ask Colombia, US for Assistance in Probe Into Maduro Murder Attempt

Venezuelan Gov't Says to Put Blame for Any New Aggression on Colombia
Venezuela has been struggling with the economic fallout due to a global slump in oil prices and ongoing US sanctions. The May presidential vote resulted in the re-election of President Nicolas Maduro, however, the tensions escalated after a drone attack on the President earlier in August.

According to the European Parliament, over 2 million people have left Venezuela since 2014.

Discuss