I wonder, after all this crap just how many of us longs would consider investing in Ecuador again?

I'd thought of asking the same question, but you beat me to it.

At present my answer would be NO.

I won't say never, because that's a long time and a lot can change, but given their current political immaturity, I'd have to pass.

One of the conditions I'd set to decide if I stay in ARU has just been met. The mining law is acceptable. My next target is the referendum, and beyond that the election. If AP returns with a majority, OR the old order is restored, I'll take my marbles and go home. Either outcome is a recipe for more instability, something I've had enough of already.

OTOH, if Jan. 2009 marks a turning point, and the nation can get its act together, I'll take a cautious second look. The geology is very promising, and once a mining industry gets started the momentum will carry it forward fairly quickly. That in itself could be a base for future stability, so I wouldn't write off Ecuador completely. It is very much a work in progress.

ebear