An Ecuadoran soldier searches a bus passenger after as another soldier stands by, January 14 at a checkpoint outside Quito as security is stepped up ahead of tomorrow's protests by indigenous groups. Ecuador's security forces are bracing themselves for several days of protests after President Mahuad dollarized his country's economy in an effort to counter galloping inflation. The emergency measure has received a mixed welcome in Ecuador, with some supporting and others opposing the drastic step.

AW/HB