Quito, Mar 30 (Prensa Latina) Ecuador´s Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities (CONAIE) accused the Alfredo Palacio administration of dictatorial actions against the legitimate right of the people to defend their interests and sovereignty.

Santiago de la Cruz, CONAIE veep, denounced that the president uses violence and brutal repression against everyone opposed to the signing of the free trade treaty with the US.

He recalled that Palacio, assuming a transitional presidency last April following the overthrow of Lucio Gutierrez, promised "never again" to repress the people, but De la Cruz said, he forgot.

The CONAIE leader declared it will hold its national assembly tomorrow in Riobamba, Chimborazo to define actions in defense of Ecuador despite the state of emergency declared in that territory last week.

CONAIE president Luis Macas issued a communiqué of denunciation as well, citing an attempt to "intimidate and terrify the indigenous movement" through a government letter warning penal action if CONAIE meets Friday, and said this demonstrates the true face of the regime.

The leadership agrees that CONAIE will not negotiate with Palacio´s transitory government and the popular meetings and mobilizations against treaty negotiations will continue.