This text describes a diplomatic incident involving Ecuador, Mexico, and several other Latin American countries regarding the arrest of Ecuador's former vice president, Jorge Glas, who had sought refuge in the Mexican embassy. Here's a summary:
- **Arrest of Jorge Glas**: Jorge Glas, Ecuador's former vice president facing corruption charges, sought refuge in the Mexican embassy in December. However, on a Friday night, he was arrested by Ecuadorian authorities, triggering a diplomatic row.
- **Mexican Response**: Mexico condemned the arrest as an "authoritarian" act and a breach of international law and Mexico's sovereignty. Mexico suspended relations with Ecuador and criticized the incursion into its embassy.
- **International Criticism**: Several Latin American countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Uruguay, criticized Ecuador's actions, considering it a violation of international norms regarding diplomatic missions.
- **Nicaragua's Response**: Nicaragua severed diplomatic relations with Ecuador in response to the incident.
- **US Response**: The United States condemned any violation of the convention protecting diplomatic missions and encouraged the two countries to resolve their differences according to international norms.
- **Mexican Reaction and Legal Action**: Mexico's top diplomat expressed shock at the incursion and stated that Mexico would file a complaint with the International Court of Justice for "grave violations of international law."
- **OAS Involvement**: The Organization of American States called for dialogue to resolve the dispute and emphasized the need for strict compliance with international treaties.
- **Colombian President's Statement**: Colombian President Gustavo Petro emphasized the importance of upholding international law in the face of such incidents and stated that his government would seek human rights protections for Glas.
- **Background on Jorge Glas**: Jorge Glas had been convicted twice for corruption, including involvement with the Odebrecht scandal, and had sought asylum in the Mexican embassy. Ecuadorian authorities had unsuccessfully sought permission from Mexico to arrest him.
Overall, the incident highlights tensions between Ecuador and Mexico, as well as broader concerns about respect for international law and diplomatic norms in the region.
