QUITO, Ecuador – Tensions escalated in Ecuador as former Vice President Jorge Glas was forcefully arrested after seeking asylum in the Mexican embassy, prompting Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to sever diplomatic ties with Quito. The controversial arrest of Glas has sparked outrage across Latin America, with leaders condemning Ecuador’s breach of diplomatic norms by entering the protected embassy grounds.
Glas, who served under leftist ex-President Rafael Correa, faces allegations of embezzling government funds intended for earthquake relief efforts. As Ecuador faces international backlash, top officials from various Latin American countries have rallied together to denounce Ecuador’s actions and uphold the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Countries like Brazil and Argentina have stood in solidarity with Mexico, pointing out violations of international treaties and Glas’s right to asylum. The unprecedented raid on the embassy has drawn condemnation from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who emphasized the inviolability of diplomatic premises and personnel in response to the unfolding crisis.
Mexican embassy staff in Quito have been evacuated back to Mexico, accompanied by representatives from other supportive nations. Amidst the ongoing diplomatic fallout, some Latin American leaders have accused Ecuador of authoritarian tactics and infringing on international norms, further straining relations across the region.
Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld defended the controversial arrest, citing concerns of Glas attempting to flee the country. Sommerfeld further criticized Mexico for allegedly allowing Glas to evade legal proceedings, leading to a breakdown in bilateral relations between the two nations.
The situation remains tense as Ecuador faces backlash and condemnation for its handling of the Glas arrest, raising questions about the country’s commitment to international law and diplomatic conventions. As the fallout continues to unfold, the region braces for further diplomatic repercussions and potential shifts in alliances among Latin American nations.