Former President Lucio Gutiérrez renounced own asylum status in Brazil (granted on condition he refrain from making political declarations) and traveled to U.S. to denounce 20 April “coup”. Government sent delegation to U.S. - resulted in heated exchange at Inter-American dialogue; meanwhile, lawyers filed charge against Gutiérrez at International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity.

Political turmoil continued in wake of April ousting of President Lucio Gutierrez. Former president Abdala Bucaram again granted political asylum in Panama; ex- President Gustavo Noboa placed under house arrest 9 May due to reinstatement of past charges following change in government. Executive adopted “non-aggressive stance” toward Congress; unclear whether any wide-reaching reforms will be achieved or consensus on restoring judicial branch. Calls for constituent assembly continued while government pushed option of popular consultation instead.

President Lucio Gutierrez third leader to be toppled by popular unrest in 8 years. Violent street protests erupted in Quito after Gutierrez' hand-picked and stacked Supreme Court dropped corruption charges against key political ally, former President Abdala Bucaram. Congress branded him dictator for meddling with court, military commanders withdrew support, Congress replaced him with vice president Alfredo Palacio 20 April. Gutierrez given 2 years asylum in Brazil.

Judicial crisis unresolved, forcing President Lucio Gutierrez to ask for international mediation. Congress unable to reach agreement on December dissolution of Supreme Court (27 of 31 judges replaced with magistrates of Congress’ choice). Court system further paralysed by 15 March strike, while 25,000 demonstrated against Gutierrez in Cuenca.

Peaceful demonstrations held in Quito for and against President Gutierrez. Opposition branded him “dictator” for having Congress sack most of Supreme Court.

Recently appointed head of Supreme Court unexpectedly announced resignation 13 January. 150,000- 200,000 joined demonstration in opposition to Gutierrez administration in seaport of Guayaquil 26 January.

Congress backed President Gutierrez’s dismissal of entire 31-member Supreme Court. Move strongly criticised as unconstitutional and interfering with separation of powers. Referendum on appointment of judges and other questions to be held in first half of 2005.

Results from 18 October municipal elections left President Lucio Gutierrez’s political fate uncertain. Majority of Ecuadorians revealed lack of confidence in Gutierrez, with massive show of support for main opposition parties.

Assembly of Organisation of American States (OAS) held in Quito 6-8 June. Meeting drew street protests and calls for uprising by Confederation of Indigenous People of Ecuador (CONAIE), which failed to materialise. President Lucio Gutierrez prepared to push through reforms of energy bill by setting 30- day deadline for debate. Gutierrez aims to increase private and foreign participation in state-operated oil fields with state participation reduced to 35%.

Andean (Peru, Colombia, Ecuador) free trade talks with U.S. began 18 May amid anti-globalisation protests. Opposition and indigenous Pachakutik movement called for President Gutierrez's resignation.