Alfredo Palacio, until Wednesday the vice president of Ecuador, was sworn in as the new President, before a majority of legislators who the same day sacked Lucio Gutierrez from Office.

Lower House Representative Cyntia Viteri, as acting president of the congress, was in charge of taking oath to Palacio.

In his first remarks, Palacio said that "the people of Ecuador, in particular of Quito, ended Wednesday the dictatorship, immorality, arrogance, terror and fear."

According to him, "the people have decided today to rebuild the Republic, a Republic of hope, on whose streets, green fields and roads bloom and prevail dignity, hope, equity and happiness."

"As of today we will establish a republic opening the white schools, the clean hospitals, the factories and the companies that have gone bankrupt," he said.

He also said the entire country "will not accept dictatorship" and assured "we will re-found the Republic with a government that will be of the people."

Palacio took office after a week of citizen demonstrations on the streets to demand the resignation of Lucio Gutierrez, which have left at least two dead.

Thousands of demonstrators headed at once afterwards to the Independence Square, outside Carondolet Palace, the seat of the Executive branch, to celebrate the fall of Gutierrez.

Gutierrez already abandoned the seat of Government, cordoned off by the military, who where cheered up by demonstrators carrying flags.

Palacio has ordered the immediate closure of borders in the country to prevent the exit of politicians sought by justice, including sacked president Lucio Gutierrez.

"At once, I have ordered the closure of borders, airport and ports so as to prevent anyone from leaving," said Palacio.

The order of the incoming head of State has been produced at a time when the whereabouts of Gutierrez are not known. It has been said he tried to leave the country aboard a light airplane.

It is not known where ex-president Abdala Bucaram is. He is wanted by the Attorney General's office after his return to Ecuador on April 2, after eight years in exile in Panama, which led to the present crisis.

(Xinhua News April 21, 2005)