The decision may further strain relations with the Ecuadorean government, which has openly expressed displeasure with Colombia's anti-drug efforts along its northern border.

In an effort to address inequities, Ecuadorean governments have carried out agrarian reform programs since the 1960's.

ChevronTexaco also says that the Ecuadorean government has absolved the company of liability.

Nevertheless, Texaco spent $40 million to cap more than 200 pits and build schools and medical centers, with the Ecuadorean government certifying the cleanup in 1998.

Don strikes a lucrative business deal with the Ecuadorean government.

Texaco Petroleum Company honored all its obligations and obtained a full release of all liabilities from the Ecuadorean government.

A reward of $10,000 was offered by the Ecuadorean government for the discovery of a suitable female to help save the subspecies.

The Ecuadorean government," he said, "encouraged growth - colonization, building of roads - in that area.

The lease was not renewed by the Ecuadorean government.

Though the Ecuadorean government has promised to tighten lax standards and even looser enforcement that made the spill possible, skepticism about that pledge is almost universal.