What's happened
Ecuador and Mexico are embroiled in a diplomatic dispute following Ecuador's storming of the Mexican Embassy in Quito to arrest former Vice President Jorge Glas, who had been granted asylum by Mexico. Mexico has taken Ecuador to the International Court of Justice, accusing it of violating international law. In response, Ecuador has filed a complaint against Mexico at the same court, alleging interference in its internal affairs.
Why it matters
The clash between Ecuador and Mexico at the International Court of Justice highlights the complexities of diplomatic relations and the importance of upholding international treaties. The outcome of this legal battle could set precedents for future asylum cases and the sanctity of diplomatic premises. The tensions between the two countries could have broader implications for Latin American diplomacy and adherence to international law.
What the papers say
Ecuador defended its actions by stating that Mexico misused its diplomatic premises to shelter a criminal, while Mexico argued that Ecuador's raid was a violation of international law. Mexico's President Lopez Obrador condemned the raid as a violation of Mexican sovereignty. The International Court of Justice is now tasked with adjudicating this diplomatic feud.
How we got here
The conflict began when Mexico granted asylum to former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had been convicted of corruption in Ecuador. Glas had sought refuge in the Mexican Embassy in Quito, leading to Ecuador's controversial raid to arrest him. The subsequent legal actions at the International Court of Justice reflect the escalating tensions between the two nations.
More on these topics
-
Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea
-
Jorge David Glas Espinel is an Ecuadorian politician and electrical engineer. He served as Vice President of Ecuador from 24 May 2013 to 13 December 2017. President LenĂn Moreno suspended Glas of his official duties as vice president on 3 August 2017.
-
Ecuador, officially the Republic of Ecuador, is a country in northwestern South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west.