Mexico has filed a complaint with the International Court of Justice, asking the United Nations to suspend Ecuador from the world body following a police raid on the Mexican embassy in Quito. The tensions between the two countries escalated when Ecuadorian authorities forced their way into the diplomatic mission to arrest former Vice President Jorge Glas who was seeking asylum in Mexico. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador demanded a public apology from Ecuador, reparation of damages, and assurances that such actions will not be repeated. Ecuador, on the other hand, defended its actions and stated that an apology was not under discussion.
The dispute between Mexico and Ecuador stems from the presence of Glas, a convicted criminal and fugitive, in Mexico’s embassy. Ecuador claims that Glas is facing charges for criminal activities, not for political reasons, and therefore should not be granted asylum by Mexico. The incident on April 5, when Ecuadorian police raided the embassy and forcefully removed Glas, led to injuries sustained by Roberto Canseco, Mexico’s head of consular affairs. Mexico’s formal complaint alleges that Ecuador violated international laws and demands a suspension from the U.N. until Ecuador issues a public apology and agrees to reparations.
The United Nations has clarified that the decision to suspend a member state is up to the other member states, as outlined in the U.N. Charter. The raid on the Mexican embassy has been deemed a violation of international agreements by Mexico and foreign experts. In response, Mexico severed diplomatic relations with Ecuador, while leaders across Latin America criticized Ecuador’s actions as a breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro emphasized the need for peaceful resolution and stated that Ecuador’s actions should not be allowed to set a precedent.
President López Obrador has been vocal in his condemnation of Ecuador’s actions and has called for decisive measures to hold Ecuador accountable for the raid on the embassy. Mexico’s formal complaint to the ICJ outlines the injuries sustained by Canseco during the raid and accuses Ecuador of persistent violations of fundamental principles and norms of international law. The demand for a suspension of Ecuador from the United Nations until it complies with Mexico’s terms reflects Mexico’s determination to seek justice and reparations for the incident.
The dispute between Mexico and Ecuador over the asylum of Jorge Glas highlights the complexities of diplomatic relations and the implications of violating international laws. Mexico’s efforts to hold Ecuador accountable through legal means demonstrate its commitment to upholding diplomatic norms and seeking justice for the breach of its embassy. The involvement of the United Nations and the Organization of American States in addressing the situation underscores the significance of international cooperation in resolving disputes between member states and upholding the principles of diplomacy. The outcome of this case will likely have far-reaching implications for diplomatic relations in Latin America and beyond.
