As many as 7,000 Indians are expected to march on Quito, the capitol of Ecuador, to protest free trade talks with the United States.

The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador staged major blockades across the country last week. Now the group is bringing thousands to Quito in hopes of pressuring President Alfredo Palacio into abandoning a free-trade deal with the U.S.

Final rounds of negotiations are scheduled to start on Thursday. Indian leaders say they will mount a takeover if an agreement is signed.

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Ecuador Quells Indian Trade Protest (AP 3/20)
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