Statement by Secretary Clinton

August 10, 2009

On behalf of the United States and the American people, I would like to extend my warm congratulations to the people of Ecuador as they celebrate the two-hundredth anniversary of their Proclamation of Independence (El Primer Grito de la Independencia) which took place in Quito on August 10, 1809.  As the bicentennial festivities culminate on August 10, I am sure that the plazas of Quito’s historic center will come to life with the thousands of Ecuadorians taking part in the liberty celebration. 

We appreciate the long history of collaboration we have enjoyed with Ecuador and our cooperation on issues of mutual importance.  May our shared commitment to democracy and development continue to join our nations together in friendship.

U.S. Embassy to Restore Two Documents Significant to the History of Ecuador to Mark the Bicentennial of Ecuador´s Independence

August 7, 2009 

The Embassy signed an agreement with “Aurelio Espinosa Pólit” Ecuadorian Library to fund the restoration of two documents that are very important to the historical preservation of Ecuador´s heritage.  One is 20-pages long and contains the lyrics of the national anthem handwritten by Juan Leon Mera and its musical score composed by Antonio Neumane at the end of the 19th century.  The second document is a unique original map of Ecuador drawn in 1750 by Pedro Vicente Maldonado.  An Ecuadorian team of experts led by Nelly Peralta will be in charge of the project.

U.S. Contribution to the UN’s World Food Program

August 7, 2009

Visit to WFP's CELAH

The U.S. Government, through its Department of Agriculture (USDA) contributed $46,000 to the Center of Humanitarian Assistance (CELAH) of the World Food Program and $150,000 to the acquisition of food to help small farmers affected by the continuous ash fall caused by Tungurahua volcano.  In addition, the U.S. Southern Command provided approximately $20,000 in equipment to be used in case of natural disasters.  The USG is the largest single donor to the World Food Program that has also assisted the population in risk along the northern border.