Switzerland will exercise diplomatic representation of Mexico in Quito after breaking relations

Switzerland will exercise the diplomatic representation of Mexico in Ecuador after the breakdown of relations between the two Latin American countries, according to an agreement announced this Tuesday (06/18/2024).

The Mexican government cut ties on April 5, after police forces attacked its embassy in Quito to arrest the exiled Ecuadorian former vice president Jorge Glas.

As a result of that episode, which included physical attacks against a diplomat, Mexico also sued Ecuador before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and removed its personnel from that country..

“The Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, celebrated, on behalf of the Government of Mexico, an agreement with the Government of the Swiss Confederation that establishes that This country will protect, represent and exercise the interests and diplomatic and consular functions of Mexico in Ecuador after the breaking of diplomatic relations with that country,” the Mexican Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Conflict will continue in The Hague

The ministry clarified that the role of the European country in no case foresees its mediation in the conflict, which will continue to be heard in the court in The Hague, the highest judicial instance of the United Nations system.

In his claim, Mexico accuses Ecuador of “violating international legislation” and asks for his suspension from the UN until he apologizes for what happened.

But Quito countersued Mexico before the ICJ for alleged “abuse” of diplomatic prerogatives to protect Glas – vice president during ICJ dismisses Mexico’s request for provisional measures against Ecuador, the government of Rafael Correa (2007-2017) -, accused of embezzlement of funds and convicted in a separate trial.

Glas had taken refuge in the Mexican embassy at the end of 2023, alleging political persecution.

“Mexico does not contemplate reestablishing relations if Ecuador does not offer a public and unconditional apology at the highest level. “Ecuador must commit in the same way to the non-repetition of these acts and to respect the right to asylum as established by international law,” the Foreign Ministry reiterated this Tuesday. Ecuadorian Justice revokes ruling that declared illegal capture of Glas in the Mexican embassy.

Keep reading:
• AMLO celebrates OAS resolution by “strongly” condemning the assault on the Mexican embassy in Ecuador
• The OAS speaks out in favor of Mexico and “strongly condemns” the assault on the embassy in Ecuador
• AMLO reveals videos of the assault on the embassy in Ecuador and calls out the US and Canada for their ambiguous position in the conflict