The Embassy Assault and Diplomatic Crisis: Mexico-Ecuador’s Dispute Shakes the International Community

On Saturday, Ecuador demanded guarantees for its diplomatic staff to leave Mexico following a police assault on the Ecuadorian embassy in Quito. The Mexican embassy in Quito was surrounded by police and the Mexican flag had been removed from its flagpole. The shocking operation on Friday night involved armed Mexican police forcibly entering the embassy to arrest former Ecuadorian vice president, Jorge Glas, who was granted asylum by Mexico.

The diplomatic crisis escalated when Ecuador announced plans to file a complaint with the International Court of Justice over the violation of embassy inviolability. Mexico condemned the operation as a flagrant violation of international law and sovereignty, leading to the immediate breaking of diplomatic relations with Ecuador. The Secretary of Foreign Relations in Mexico demanded necessary guarantees from Ecuador for the departure of Mexican diplomatic personnel.

The high tensions between Mexico and Ecuador drew condemnation from other countries, including Brazil, Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, and Honduras. The operation to arrest Glas was criticized as unprecedented and reminiscent of actions taken in past dictatorships. Former president Rafael Correa, exiled in Belgium, spoke out in support of Glas and criticized the use of force during his arrest.

Overall, the diplomatic standoff between Mexico and Ecuador highlighted the complex issues surrounding asylum, sovereignty, and diplomatic protocol. The aftermath of the embassy assault will likely have long-lasting repercussions on the relations between the two countries and could impact their standing in the international community.