International Legal Dispute: Mexico Initiates Legal Action Against Ecuador at the International Court of Justice
In a dramatic turn of events, Mexico has taken legal action against Ecuador following the storming of Mexico's embassy in Quito by Ecuadorian security forces. The embassy raid, which sparked an international outcry, has led to Mexico breaking ties with Ecuador and a series of escalating actions.
The lawsuit, filed at the International Court of Justice, seeks a public apology from Ecuador recognising violations of international law, the suspension of Ecuador from the United Nations, and provisional measures to protect Mexican diplomatic officials. The goal of the lawsuit is to guarantee reparation of the moral damage inflicted on Mexico.
The embassy intrusion triggered a political storm, with several Latin American states, Spain, the European Union, the United States, and the UN chief condemning it as a violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention governing diplomatic relations. The incident has also led to Latin American leaders holding a virtual conference next Tuesday to discuss the raid and consider a proposal for the "firm condemnation" of Ecuador's actions and possible sanctions.
The embassy raid was carried out to arrest former Ecuadorian vice president Jorge Glas, who was granted asylum by Mexico and is currently on a hunger strike. Glas is wanted on corruption charges in Ecuador and is also the subject of a fresh arrest warrant for allegedly diverting funds intended for reconstruction efforts after a devastating earthquake in 2016.
Ecuador's former president, Rafael Correa, claimed that Glas's medical emergency was a suicide attempt. However, Glas was returned to prison after a short hospital stay due to his refusal to eat for 24 hours. Another former Ecuadorian official, Walter HipΓ³lit SolΓs, is also wanted by Interpol and is currently being protected by the Sheinbaum administration.
In a related development, Ecuador seized over 9 tons of cocaine destined for Mexico and the US. The exact role of the former Ecuadorian president, Daniel Noboa, during his term and his involvement in the embassy evacuation in Quito by Mexican security forces remains unclear.
The International Court of Justice has confirmed it has received the application, marking a significant step in the ongoing dispute between Mexico and Ecuador. The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for diplomatic relations in the region and beyond.
