Ecuador's Hugo Chavez?

A. Yes, I think he's a very honest person -- a clear leader, a very democratic president.

Q. You are now calling for a new constituent assembly as Chavez did. Why?

A. We don't have a true representative democracy because our representatives don't care about us. So we don't have means to push them to do what people want to do.

Q. It's said that the constituent assembly will make the executive branch stronger.

A. In our country, the executive power is very weak. . . . The executive needs more power in order to lead the country.

Q. Why have you said that you would not renew the U.S. lease on the base at Manta in '09?

A. You are asking me why not. I am asking you why "yes."

Q. Because it is used for anti-drug surveillance flights.

A. Ecuador is not a drug producer, and we have been very successful in our fight against drugs. So why put a foreign military base in our country?

Q. You have spoken about either not paying or restructuring Ecuador's foreign debt. What is your plan?

A. We are going to pay the foreign debt as long as the situation in the country allows us to pay it. If we don't have enough money to pay the social claims in Ecuador, salaries, etc., and at the same time to pay the foreign debt, our ethical and technical priorities are very clear. First, to attempt to face the national needs, later, the foreign debt.

Q. In order to create jobs, don't you have to attract foreign direct investment?