'No Communication Channels': Mexico Conditions Ecuador Relations on Redress for Embassy Raid

Mexico has reiterated it’s position against restoring diplomatic relations with Ecuador, confirming there are no open communication channel with the South American country, nor has Mexico received any formal petition form the the Ecuadorian regime. This despite that President Daniel Noboa expressing interest in rebuilding diplomatic ties. Relations were severed on April 5, 2024, when Ecuadorian police force raided the Mexican embassy in Quit to unlawfully detain illegally former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas.  

During President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning press conference, Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Secretary, Roberto Velasco recalled the events and outlined a series of international law violations committed by  President Daniel Noboa’s regime, making any channel of communication impossible.

“There cannot be a channel of communication. Ecuador committed a very serious breach, not only of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, but also of the basic principles of diplomacy. They invaded our embassy, ​​attacked our personnel, and illegally detained a person who had already been lawfully granted asylum by the Mexican government under conventions to which both countries are signatories.”

Meanwhile, President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that the only way to remedy the situation is for the Noboa regime to provide redress and acknowledge the grave violations committed during the invasion of the Mexican embassy, otherwise it is impossible to move on.

“There has to be redress for that entire process. There has to be an acknowledgment from them that they invaded the embassy, and an acknowledgment of the asylum status granted to this person [Jorge Glas]; otherwise, it becomes very complicated.”

Legal process at the International Court of Justice

Foreign Affairs Secretary, Roberto Velasco commented on the status of the lawsuit Mexico filed before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He noted that the first phase concluded in January where Mexico presented its case, adding that the next round of arguments is scheduled  for August. He specified that there are two separate cases: one filed by Mexico concerning the raid of the embassy, and the other brought by Ecuador regarding what they ‘consider to be the granting asylum, which they claim is contrary to international law.’ 

“In both cases, we will be presenting our arguments and we are absolutely certain that the International Court of Justice will rule in our favor, just as all the countries of the region within the Organization of American States (OAS) ruled in our favor during the debate that took place there.” 

Regarding the case filed by Ecuador, Secretary Velasco noted that virtually all the states in the region reiterated that Mexico acted in accordance with international law, while Ecuador committed a series of grave violations that precluded any kind of dialogue.

Photo: Grupo de Puebla