QUITO – A state of emergency was declared in Ecuador after President Rafael Correa accused the opposition and security forces of a coup attempt.
Correa was earlier forced to flee a protest in the capital Quito after tear gas was fired. Troops took over the main airport, forcing it to close.
Unrest was reported in several towns, as Peru closed its border with Ecuador.
The protesters are angry at a new law passed on Wednesday that ends bonuses and other benefits for public servants. (BBC)
Emanuel leaving
CHICAGO – Rahm Emanuel will resign as White House chief of staff today and will begin his campaign for Chicago mayor by meeting with voters in the city on Monday, two sources familiar with Emanuel’s plans said.
The two sources said he will return to Chicago over the weekend and begin touring neighbourhoods Monday.
“He intends to run for mayor,” one of the people said. (AP)
Carter out of hospital
CLEVELAND – Former president Jimmy Carter left an Ohio hospital yesterday afternoon, where he spent two days recovering from a viral infection doctors say likely gave him stomach problems.
The 85-year-old ex-president will resume his schedule with a meeting this week in Washington, D.C., said Eileen Korey, spokeswoman for MetroHealth Medical Centre. (AP)
Holy land split
Ayodhya – A court in India has said that a disputed holy site in Ayodhya should be split between Hindus and Muslims, but both sides plan to appeal.
In a majority verdict, judges gave control of the main disputed section, where a mosque was torn down in 1992, to Hindus. (BBC)
