The former president of Ecuador, Jamil Mahuad, has accused the military of plotting his overthrow last week.

Mr Mahuad said the armed forces provided food and transport to thousands of native Indians whose march on the capital, Quito, culminated in his resignation.

He said army officers allowed the protestors to occupy congress and key government buildings.

Mr Mahuad said the uprising had set a dangerous precedent for the future.

He said the armed forces had been unhappy for some time with budget cuts he ordered after signing a peace treaty with neighbouring Peru in 1998. The authorities have meanwhile begun legal action against some of the military officers who took part in the uprising.

The leader of the Indian movement, Antonio Vargas, has warned of further unrest if the authorities attempt to prosecute him.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service