The Ecuadorian presidential palace issued a communique on the 3rd, stating that due to serious internal unrest and domestic armed conflicts, the capital Quito, Guayas Province, Los Rios Province, and 6 provinces and 2 cities have entered a state of emergency. The communique stated that in order to better defend national sovereignty and integrity, protect the security of the people, and maintain public order, President Noboa has decided to implement a 60-day state of emergency in Guayas Province, Los Rios Province, Manabi Province, Orellana Province, Santa Elena Province, El Oro Province, as well as the city of Quito in Pichincha Province and the city of Ponce Enriquez in Azuay Province. (Xinhua)