Ecuadorian new president sworn in
Ecuadorian protesters set fire to government building
Profile: Alfredo Palacio succeeds Gutierrez to become Ecuadorian president
Profile: Gutierrez, latest president ousted in Ecuador

Ecuadorean soldiers confront with opposition protestors. Ecuadoran Vice President Alfredo Palacio is sworn in as president after Congress voted to fire President Lucio Gutierrez, in Quito, April 20, 2005. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

Ecuadorean soldiers await orders in Quito after sacked president Lucio Gutierrez left presidential palace. Ecuadoran Vice President Alfredo Palacio is sworn in as president after Congress voted to fire President Lucio Gutierrez, in Quito, April 20, 2005. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

Ecuadorean soldiers fire tear gas at protestors in Quito, April 20. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

Opposition protestors clash with Ecuadorean soldiers on the street of Quito. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

    QUITO, April 20 (Xinhuanet) -- Alfredo Palacio, who took office Wednesday as the new president of Ecuador, 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. Enditem