INDIGENOUS ECUADORIANS REST AFTER ARRIVING IN QUITO, 2000-01-18 (photo)

Two indigenous Ecuadorians in traditional dress rest after arriving in Quito to take part in protests against the government January 18. Ecuador's indigenous peoples have been mustered by their leaders to descend on Quito to protests against the economic crisis which has beset their country. Ecuadorian President Jamil Mahuad changed his country's economy to be based on the U.S. dollar in an attempt to control galloping inflation just over a week ago. This drastic measure has met with a mixed response, but has split his opposition and calmed protests which threatened to overthrow him. The indigenous protests are Mahuad's last obstacle. AW