Mexico severs diplomatic relations with Ecuador after arrest of politician Jorge Glas
Mexico has officially cut off diplomatic ties with Ecuador following the arrest of Jorge Glas, a former vice president of Ecuador who had sought refuge in Mexico’s embassy in Quito. The arrest, which Mexico deemed a violation of its sovereignty, marked the culmination of escalating tensions between the two Latin American nations.
Jorge Glas, who served as vice president under former Ecuadorean president Rafael Correa, was convicted of receiving millions of dollars in bribes and sentenced to prison. Despite being released early due to safety concerns, Glas faced additional charges of embezzlement and sought asylum in Mexico.
The decision to arrest Glas at the Mexican embassy led to a rupture in diplomatic relations between Mexico and Ecuador. The move came after Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry had requested Mexico’s permission to apprehend Glas, and tensions had been mounting over various political issues.
Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, had previously made comments that strained relations with Ecuador, leading to the expulsion of Mexico’s ambassador. In response, Mexico granted Glas political asylum and condemned Ecuador’s actions near the embassy.
The fallout from Glas’s arrest has sparked controversy and accusations of interference in internal affairs. Ecuador’s government defended its actions, stating that Mexico had abused diplomatic privileges. The situation highlights the complexities of international relations and the challenges of balancing sovereignty and asylum rights.
