Ecuador’s Bold Move: Breaching International Law by Forcibly Entering Mexican Embassy
QUITO — In a daring move, Ecuador breached international law by forcibly entering the Mexican Embassy on Saturday to arrest former vice president Jorge Glas on corruption charges. The UN Secretary-General has condemned this action, calling it a violation of diplomatic norms.
UN Secretary-General’s Reaction
In a statement released on Saturday night, António Guterres expressed alarm over the raid on the embassy in Quito and emphasized the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises. The Secretary-General reaffirmed that this principle must be upheld in all cases, as per international law.
Mexico’s Response
Mexico had granted asylum to Glas, who sought refuge in the embassy. However, Ecuador argued that normal diplomatic rules did not apply due to the corruption charges against him. This led to a standoff between the two countries, with Mexico suspending diplomatic relations in response.
Regional Criticism
The breach of the embassy and the subsequent arrest drew criticism from governments across the region, including Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Uruguay. Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador condemned the move as authoritarian and a violation of national sovereignty.
Call for Dialogue
The Organization of American States called for dialogue between Ecuador and Mexico to resolve the diplomatic rift. The permanent council of the organization will convene to discuss the importance of strict compliance with international laws, including the right to asylum.
Glas, who has been staying in the embassy since December, faces further corruption charges stemming from a bribery scandal involving a Brazilian construction company. He claims the charges are politically motivated.
Despite the tensions, the Secretary-General urged both governments to seek peaceful resolutions to their differences. The situation remains fluid as Ecuador and Mexico navigate through this diplomatic crisis. – UN News
