## Mexico Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Ecuador Amidst Deepening Rift
Mexico has severed diplomatic ties with Ecuador following a diplomatic rift that has escalated in recent days. The crisis stems from Ecuador’s arrest of former Vice President Jorge Glas, who had sought political asylum at the Mexican embassy in Quito.
The Diplomatic Rift Intensifies
Tensions between Mexico and Ecuador have been simmering since Tuesday, when Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador made remarks that Ecuador deemed “unfortunate” about the recent Ecuadorian elections. In response, Ecuador declared the Mexican ambassador persona non grata.
The situation worsened on Friday when Ecuadorian police stormed the Mexican embassy to arrest Glas. Mexico condemned the action as “an outrage against international law” and immediately broke off diplomatic relations.
Political Asylum and Controversial Arrest
Glas, who served as Vice President under former President Rafael Correa from 2013 to 2017, was convicted on corruption charges. He has maintained his innocence and sought asylum in the Mexican embassy in December.
Mexico’s decision to grant Glas asylum sparked a diplomatic row. Ecuador has accused Mexico of harboring a fugitive and violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
International Condemnation and Future Implications
The international community has largely condemned Ecuador’s actions. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has called for an independent investigation into the incident.
The diplomatic rift is expected to have significant consequences for the relationship between the two countries. Mexico has suspended all diplomatic personnel from Ecuador and plans to file a complaint with the International Court of Justice.
The future implications of the diplomatic crisis are uncertain. However, the incident has strained relations between Mexico and Ecuador and highlighted the importance of respecting international diplomatic norms.
- Mexico is the second largest Spanish-speaking country in the world after Mexico.
- Ecuador is a member of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).
- The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations has been in force since 1961.
Divya