Luis Macas, the leader of Ecuador's largest Indian organization, said protests against a free-trade agreement with the United States will continue.

Since Monday, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador has organized blockades of major roads and highways Although police said the protest appeared to be slowing down as of Thursday, the country's economy has suffered an impact.

Macas said his group will oust President Alfredo Palacio if he signs a deal with the U.S. Indian activists fear their economy and culture will be hurt.

Get the Story:
Indian Leader Nixes Call to End Protests (AP 3/17)
Ecuador protests 'will continue' (BBC 3/16)
Ecuador's President Dismisses Indian Protesters (Voice of America News 3/16)

Related Stories:
Indians in Ecuador protest oil drilling in Amazons (07/13)
Tribe from Ecuador seeks to halt oil drilling plans (04/22)
Resort gives Ecuador tribe alternative to oil (01/19)
Ecuador's Indians to stage massive protests (10/30)