Hundreds of Indian protestors, joined by a group of military officers, have occupied the parliament building in the Ecuadorean capital, Quito and declared a new government.

They say their administration is to be headed by an army colonel, Lucio Gutierrez, an indigenous leader, Antonio Vargas, and a former head of the Supreme Court Carlos Solorzano.

For the past week, Indian groups have been protesting around the country to call for the resignation of President Jamil Mahuad, who they say has failed to tackle Ecuador's growing economic and social problems.

The armed forces chiefs have announced their support for the elected government, but called on Mr Mahuad to take urgent steps to preserve order and resolve the crisis.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service