Strikes and clashes in Ecuador

There have been strikes and demonstrations in a number of cities in Ecuador by people protesting against a rise in fuel and transport costs.

In the capital, Quito, police used teargas during scuffles with several hundred demonstrators.

The government says it is considering ways of softening the impact of the price rises.

But the authorities have also accused the protestors of having political motives for their action.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service