UN alarmed by forced entry into the Mexican embassy in Quito

A statement from Guterres stressed the cardinal principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel, recalling that this must be respected in all cases, in accordance with international law. “Violation of this norm endangers the pursuit of normal international relations, which are fundamental for the advancement of cooperation between states,” the statement said.

Guterres called for moderation and urged both governments to resolve their differences through peaceful means.

The events on Friday night ended with the rupture of relations between both countries after police and armored cars forcibly entered the Mexican embassy in Ecuador.

Shortly before, the Government of Quito had denied safe passage to former vice president Jorge Glas, who was in the Mexican embassy after having received political asylum in that country.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador described the incident as a flagrant violation of international law and Mexico’s sovereignty. Subsequently, he asked the Foreign Ministry to proceed legally and immediately declare the suspension of diplomatic relations with the Government of Ecuador.

Videos circulating on digital platforms showed police climbing walls and fences of the embassy, which caused national and international condemnation for violating Article 22 of the Vienna Convention.

According to the Government of President Daniel Noboa, the capture was due to alleged abuses “of the immunities and privileges granted to the embassy that housed Jorge Glas, and granting diplomatic asylum contrary to the conventional legal framework.”