Commenting on the violent protests in Ecuador, Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle issued the following statement today:

“I appeal to all sides in Ecuador to respect the constitutional order and to settle their differences peacefully. Attacks such as yesterday’s on constitutional organs and democratically elected government representatives are not acceptable methods of resolving conflicts.”

Yesterday, Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa declared a state of emergency following the violent occupation of public buildings and streets by numerous members of the security forces to protest against the reform of their salary structure.