UN Secretary-General Condemns Ecuador’s Actions
The decision by Ecuador to forcibly enter the Mexican Embassy on Saturday and arrest a former vice president of the Andean country on corruption charges represents a breach of international law, according to the UN Secretary-General.
Violation of Diplomatic Principles
In a statement released on Saturday night, António Guterres expressed alarm over the raid on the embassy in Quito that led to the arrest of Jorge Glas. The Secretary-General reaffirmed the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel, emphasizing the importance of respecting this principle in all cases, in accordance with international law.
Impact on International Relations
Mexico had granted asylum to Mr. Glas, who was seeking refuge in the embassy. However, the Government of Ecuador argued that normal diplomatic rules were overridden due to the corruption charges he faced. The breach of diplomatic norms jeopardized the pursuit of normal international relations, crucial for cooperation between States.
Regional and International Response
The arrest and embassy incursion led Mexico to suspend diplomatic relations with Ecuador. Mexico’s President criticized the move as authoritarian and a violation of national sovereignty. Governments across the region, including Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Uruguay, also condemned the incursion.
Call for Peaceful Resolution
The Secretary-General urged moderation and called on both Governments to resolve their differences through peaceful means. The Organization of American States in Washington DC called for dialogue between Ecuador and Mexico to address the diplomatic rift and ensure compliance with international laws, including the right to asylum.