Around the World: Ecuador

Brazilian firm expelled

Ecuador expelled a leading Brazilian construction firm on Tuesday, sending troops to seize projects worth $800 million days before a vote expected to extend the president's powers.

President Rafael Correa ordered the government to take over the projects, which include a small regional airport, two hydroelectric plants and a rural irrigation project.

The president is battling with the firm, Odebrecht, over a dam the government says was badly built. His decree accused Odebrecht of "putting public services at risk."

(China Daily 09/25/2008 page11)