A World Bank delegation was in Quito to talk with Ecuadorian president Alfredo Palacio over the lender?s $536 million credit. According to the government?s statement, the bank plans to release the funds in the next three years and will support social programs and community development projects. Economy Minister Magdalena Barreiro came with Palacio to the dialogue, which also involved World Bank regional director Marcelo Giugale and other representatives of the funding agency. Last week, Barreiro went to Washington in an effort to restore good relations with the lender. Over two months ago, ex-economy minister Rafael Correa wrote to World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz to demand the lender?s justification for disapproving a $100 million loan to Ecuador. (Source: Ecuador's President Meets With World Bank Delegation to Discuss Pledged Credit/The Associated Press)
