In a hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Ecuador was accused by Mexico of violating international law by carrying out an armed raid on its embassy in Quito. The incident stems from the arrest of former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had sought asylum in the Mexican embassy in December.
Alejandro Celorio, a legal adviser to Mexico’s foreign ministry, argued that the inviolability of embassies is a fundamental principle of international relations, and the assault on the Mexican embassy in Quito was unlawful. Mexico emphasized that the case was not just about its own interests but had implications for the entire international community.
Mexico swiftly filed a complaint with the ICJ following the incident, demanding that Ecuador be suspended from the United Nations until it issued a public apology and provided reparations. During the hearing, Mexico requested emergency measures to secure diplomatic premises in Ecuador and allow Mexican officials access to clear out the embassy and diplomats’ residences.
The ICJ is known for lengthy legal proceedings, and its rulings, while binding, lack enforcement mechanisms. Ecuador was set to present its response to Mexico’s demands for emergency measures on the same day. In a separate development, Ecuador filed a case against Mexico at the ICJ, alleging that Mexico violated international law by granting asylum to Glas.
The hearing in The Hague highlighted the diplomatic tensions between Mexico and Ecuador, underscoring the complexities of international law and relations. Both countries will await further developments in the legal proceedings at the ICJ.
