Defense Articles: Ecuador

The State Department's April 2002 FY2003 Congressional Budget Justification for Foreign Operations reported that transfer of grant Excess Defense Articles to Ecuador "will support the U.S. foreign policy goal of maintaining Ecuadorian democracy by aiding the military services. Their role is to support the elected government and protect the country’s northern borders, which are increasingly being violated by narco-traffickers and insurgents in Colombia. EDA will strengthen Ecuador's military by providing badly needed resources and equipment in the country's ongoing economic crisis. Provision of EDA will also show U.S. commitment to Ecuador through support of its regional counternarcotics efforts."1
The February 2005 request for 2006 states, "Transfer of grant EDA to Ecuador will provide maintenance, office and communications equipment and aircraft to enhance Ecuador’s counternarcotics program. Equipment will include such items as night vision devices, communications, and vehicles. Support for the air force includes spare parts, and training and to improve the air force’s airlift and mobility capacity. Additionally, training, spare parts, and communications assistance will assist riverine and coastal units involved in interdiction." [2]


Bibliography

[1]. http://www.state.gov/m/rm/rls/cbj/2003/
[2]. http://www.state.gov/m/rm/rls/cbj/2006/