The coalition pointed out in a statement that the Ecuadorian Magna Carta establishes that the country is a territory of peace and prohibits the installation of foreign military bases.

In addition, they recalled that any decision affecting the environment must be subject to prior consultation with local communities, a step that has not been complied with.

Regarding the environmental impact, they warned that military operations would generate serious damage to marine and terrestrial ecosystems, affecting migratory species, coral reefs and increasing pollution.

They also denounced that U.S. military activity emits greenhouse gases, which contradicts the principles of environmental preservation of the archipelago, recognized as a World Natural Heritage Site.

The organizations also questioned the effectiveness of foreign military presence in the fight against drug trafficking and cited examples in Mexico and Colombia where such installations have not reduced drug production or consumption.

ef/jav/mem/avr