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Violence is spiking in Ecuador with all crimes up 15% to 50% last year... compared with 2009.
Murders have doubled in 20 years to nearly 19 per 100,000 residents.
Why? Drug muling and transport. Some 200 tons of cocaine...or about 25% of Colombia and Peru's annual production...moves thru Ecuador.
Another reason is Ecuador's weak judicial system.
Arrested drug suspects often evade justice because corrupt or frightened temporary judges let them go.
ALSO: Just 2 years after defaulting on $3.2bn in debts that all but ruined its credit, Ecuador's usd bonds have roared back...with a 13% return...Latin America's best.President Correa can thank China for new loans that will reach at least $3bn in 2011...and higher oil prices.
FinMin Patricio Rivera is seeking another $2bn loan from China, besides a $1bn from PetroChina in February for future oil sales. Ecuador negotiated a similar deal with China for $1bn in 2009.
http://en.mercopress.com/2011/06/26/china-loans-and-oil-prices-boost-ecuador-economy-two-years-after-default?utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=main&utm_campaign=rss
