Ousted Ecuador president seeks asylum

Ecuador’s ousted president Lucio Gutierrez has taken refuge in the Brazilian Embassy in Quito and asked for asylum, the Brazilian foreign ministry says.

The brief report said Brazil is “the necessary action” to grant asylum.

It also says Brazil is following with deep concern the political developments in that country and reiterates its expectations for a “peaceful resolution” of the political turmoil.

It was not clear if Gutierrez went to the embassy alone or with aides or members of his family.

MPs removed Gutierrez from office after a week of escalating street protests demanding that he go.

They swore in vice-president Alfredo Palacio to replace him.