Left-wing activists who led protests that ousted formerPresident Lucio Gutierrez in 2005 now work in Correa’sgovernment. No unified opposition has emerged able to challengethe Belgium- and Illinois-educated economist. Gutierrez, a former coup-leader, is running again forpresident just four years after he was deposed, but is in adistant second place behind Correa In total eight presidentialcandidates are in the race. Small marches are still common in Quito, but none is bigenough to affect the function of the government.

“The atmosphere is much more stable, there are stillmarches most days but they do not disturb the economicfunctioning of the city,” said Luis Verdesoto, an urban studiesexpert at the Flacso social science institute in Quito. Still, if Correa wins a new four-year term on Sunday hewill have his work cut out keeping Ecuador’s restlesspopulation happy. The global economic crisis has cut oilrevenues, and the remittances sent home from Ecuadoreans whohave moved overseas have dwindled. “In the short term, Correa will have to concern himself alot with confronting the economic crisis, using intelligenceand creativity,” said Paco Velasco, a journalist whose radiostation La Luna was central to Gutierrez’s downfall. “This town Quito is a sleeping lion, the people are notvery good at applauding,” said Velasco, who worked in aprovisional parliament that rewrote the constitution last year.He is now running for office as a lawmaker in Correa’s party (Editing by Patricia Zengerle) Bonds Global Markets. KYIV, UKRAINE, Apr 25 (MARKET WIRE) — Before leaving Kyiv, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable MichaelleJean, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond visited theChernobyl Museum this morning.The Governor General met with Canadians and Ukrainians who wereinstrumental in organizing and implementing relief efforts following thedisaster.

On the eve of the 23rd anniversary of this catastrophe, HerExcellency laid a commemorative wreath at the monument erected on thissite. In a brief statement to the press, the Governor General conveyedhow deeply moved she was by the experience:”I have to say that it is quite troubling to remember what happened inChernobyl,” she said. “I would like to praise the work of thoseresponsible for this museum, as they are ensuring that the memory isalive and that the human aspect of this event remains at the very core ofour preoccupations and of our society. I would also like to mention theextent to which Canada is participating in the research to enclose theradiation, once and for all, with the construction of a new containmentvessel, as well as in the thought process that is necessary to design asafer alternative.”This visit to Chernobyl marks the end of a three-day visit to Kyiv. TheGovernor General is now on her way to Lviv to continue her State visit toUkraine, which will run until April 26, 2009.About the Chornobyl tragedyA power surge triggered the destruction of a nuclear reactor in theChernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, in the Ukrainian Soviet SocialistRepublic, on April 26, 1986. The explosion caused a massive release ofradioactivity into the environment.The speeches, photos and videos from the State visits to Ukraine and theKingdom of Norway will be available daily at Blogs written byTheir Excellencies and the delegates will be posted on also have access to high-resolution images and video at (username: media; password: osgg).Contacts:Rideau Hall Press OfficeIsabelle opyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.-0-. 4:05 2ndI've decided that the Avs' woes have not been the fault of Theodore.Jose, I'm sorry I've blamed you the entire series.The Avs lost the first three and probably this one also because of the shoddy coaching of J.