Mexico has cut diplomatic ties with Ecuador following a controversial police raid on its embassy in Quito. The raid was aimed at arresting former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who was seeking asylum there. Mexican diplomatic staff will leave Ecuador immediately, according to a statement to CNNE by a foreign ministry spokesperson.
The arrest of Glas, convicted twice on corruption charges, was a tipping point in the deteriorating relations between the two countries. Mexico's decision to grant him political asylum further strained the situation. The move was condemned by Ecuador, which accused Mexico of violating the principle of non-intervention.
The arrest was denounced by Roberto Canseco, a Mexican embassy official, as "an outrage against international law." He described the raid as "barbarism," emphasizing the sanctity of diplomatic premises. The situation escalated when Mexico's ambassador was declared "persona non grata" by Ecuador, leading to the rupture in relations.
The incident has sparked condemnation from Latin American leaders, with Colombia's President Gustavo Petro calling it a violation of Glas's right to asylum. Nicaragua has also severed diplomatic ties with Ecuador over the raid.
The timing of Ecuador's actions has raised concerns, coming amidst a backdrop of increased violence in the country. President Noboa declared an "internal armed conflict" earlier, leading to a crackdown on gangs. This move has been seen as a drastic measure to combat organized crime but has also raised questions about the erosion of democratic norms in the region.
The fallout from the embassy raid has created a state-to-state crisis with Mexico, with Eric Farnsworth of the Council of the Americas calling Ecuador's move "impulsive and unnecessary." The incident highlights the challenges faced by Latin American leaders in dealing with issues of corruption and violence, often leading to controversial and divisive actions.
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