QUITO, June 19 (Xinhua) -- The air-maritime assistance agreement between Ecuador and the United States does not pose a threat to the environment on the Galapagos Islands, a world heritage site, the Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.
In an official note, the Ministry denied that the participation of a U.S. aircraft in bilateral operations against crimes such as illegal fishing and drug trafficking entailed a risk for the environment on the islands.
"The policy of preserving the Galapagos, a World Heritage Site and an observatory of unique terrestrial and marine ecosystems, remains unchanged," Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Jose Valencia said.
The remarks were made after the country's Defense Minister Oswaldo Jarrin said the Galapagos Islands are a "natural aircraft carrier," which has drawn criticism.
The Galapagos Islands are world-famous for their numerous endemic species. In 1978, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization declared the Galapagos Islands a world heritage site.
In 1985, Ecuador declared the islands a biosphere reserve, and in 2001 surrounding waters were also included as a marine reserve.
