In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Mexico has announced the severance of diplomatic relations with Ecuador following a controversial incident at the Mexican embassy in Quito. The rupture comes after Ecuadorian police forcibly entered the embassy premises and arrested former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had sought refuge there since last December.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took to social media late Friday to declare the breaking of diplomatic ties with Ecuador, denouncing the Ecuadorian action as “a flagrant violation of international law and the sovereignty of Mexico.”
The incident unfolded with rapidity, as Ecuadorian President’s official account confirmed Glas’s detention by police less than 10 minutes prior to Mexico’s announcement. Ecuador justified its actions, asserting its sovereignty and vowing not to allow any criminals to evade justice.
Mexico swiftly responded, announcing the immediate withdrawal of its diplomatic personnel from Ecuador. Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena stated that Mexico would appeal to the International Court of Justice to address Ecuador’s alleged breaches of international law.
The arrest of Glas occurred after Ecuadorian authorities made it clear they would not permit his departure to Mexico under the auspices of political asylum. Police reportedly entered the Mexican embassy by force around 10:30 pm, despite Mexico’s rejection of Ecuador’s earlier request to access the embassy for Glas’s arrest.
The tension between the two countries had been escalating, culminating in Ecuador declaring Mexico’s Ambassador to Ecuador a “persona non grata” just one day prior. Mexico condemned the move as politically motivated and instructed its diplomat to return home for safety.
Jorge Glas, a former vice president of Ecuador, is subject to two corruption convictions totaling 14 years in prison. He had previously served five years and was granted precautionary measures in 2022. The arrest warrant issued in December 2023 prompted Glas to seek asylum in the Mexican embassy, leading to the recent diplomatic standoff.
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