Quote: "The
attack took place at a time of high tension for the government.
Authorities say the bomb was well-made and thoughtfully planned.
A bomb damaged the
headquarters of the ruling PAIS Alliance party in the coastal city of
Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city, late Monday night, which a PAIS
legislator has labeled a “message of terror.”
The bombing took
place around 10:40 p.m. Monday. No details were released regarding
possible motives or suspects. While no one was injured, the bomb was
strong enough to damage the concrete wall and sent debris into the
adjacent street. PAIS legislator Bairon Valle said the explosion was
felt in a three-block radius.
"This was not a
household item,” Valle said, according to national newspaper El
Telegrafo, “but a high-caliber bomb, strategically placed to destroy the
entire first floor of the building."
Provincial
Governor Julio Cesar Quinonez agreed with Valle’s assessment Tuesday
morning on national TV, saying the explosive device was a result of
“thoughtful planning," and that it was not a typical homemade bomb.
"So far what we
know about the police investigation is that this was a bomb thrown at
the headquarters of the country, is an well-planned, elaborate bomb,
which worries us even more, it did not leave a container or traces
behind … it was not a homemade bomb, but the result of thought and
planning to create a well-developed bomb. We are expecting a report at
noon."
Tensions in the
South American country have been high since the government of Rafael
Correa introduced two bills aimed at redistributing wealth and improving
inequality in the country. Political opposition factions have largely
rejected the president's calls for dialogue, choosing to engage instead
in street protests, some of which have turned violent. To quell the
unrest, President Correa opted to temporarily withdraw the bills in
order to hold a nationwide debate about the aims of the bills and the
direction of the country.
Valle said he is
sorry this attack happened at a time when President Rafael Correa is
trying to bring political sides together to have a national debate.
"We are concerned
about divisive acts like this, which send messages of terror ... its a
clear message the will is not there to discuss the issues, but rather to
create commotion." Go to: http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Headquarters-of-Ecuadors-Ruling-Party-Bombed-20150714-0014.html
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