Outrage against International Law: Mexico Breaks Ties with Ecuador after Embassy Raid
Mexico has severed diplomatic ties with Ecuador in response to a raid by Ecuadorian police on its embassy in Quito to arrest former Vice President Jorge Glas, an act denounced by Mexico as “an outrage against international law.”
Escalating Tensions
The arrest of Glas, who has been granted political asylum in Mexico since 2013, has escalated tensions between the two Latin American countries. Glas, who was twice convicted on corruption charges, alleges political persecution.
Diplomatic Outrage
Mexican authorities have condemned the raid as a violation of diplomatic norms, as embassies are generally considered protected spaces. Roberto Canseco, head of chancellery and policy affairs of the Mexican embassy, called Glas’s arrest “totally unacceptable” and “barbarism.”
Ecuador’s Defense
Ecuador’s government has defended the arrest, stating that Glas was sentenced to prison by Ecuadorian courts and was arrested and placed under the authority of competent authorities. The government also criticized Mexico for granting diplomatic asylum to Glas, which it claims was contrary to legal norms.
Mexico’s Response
In response to the raid, Mexico has announced it is withdrawing all diplomatic staff from Ecuador. The country plans to file a complaint with the International Court of Justice to denounce the actions of the Ecuadorian police. Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alicia Bárcena, stated that there was no prior contact with Ecuador’s foreign ministry about the arrest and that Canseco was physically attacked during the arrest.
Potential Future Implications
The diplomatic rift between Mexico and Ecuador could have far-reaching implications, including the potential for economic sanctions or even a recall of ambassadors. The incident has also raised concerns about the potential erosion of diplomatic norms and the protection of foreign embassies.
Conclusion
Mexico’s decision to break diplomatic ties with Ecuador is a serious escalation of tensions between the two countries. The incident has raised fundamental questions about the inviolability of diplomatic spaces and the limits of political asylum.
also read:Diplomatic Rift: Mexico Severs Ties with Ecuador Over Vice President’s Arrest