Venezuela, Honduras Announce Diplomatic Actions After Ecuador Raids Mexican Embassy

In a virtual summit convened by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Honduras and Venezuela have made significant diplomatic moves in response to a recent police Mexico embassy raid in Quito, Ecuador.

This incident, which occurred on April 5, has sparked a diplomatic uproar throughout the region, Aljazeera reports.

Honduras's Foreign Relations Minister, Enrique Reina, declared that Honduras would recall its charge d'affaires from Ecuador as a sign of protest against the police raid.

Clarivel Vallecillo, the Honduran business manager stationed at the embassy, will return to Tegucigalpa for consultations.

Minister Reina emphasized Honduras's support for Mexico's legal action against Ecuador in the UN's International Court of Justice.

Meanwhile, Venezuela announced plans to shut down its embassy and consulates in Ecuador.

The Ministry of Communication and Information (MIPPCI) stated that this decision would only be reversed once "international law is expressly restored in Ecuador."

The Embassy Raid and Its Fallout

The incident at the heart of these diplomatic tensions was Ecuador's attempt to arrest former Vice President Jorge Glas, who had taken refuge in the Mexican embassy since late last year.

Twice convicted of corruption, Glas faced fresh charges, according to Reuters.

However, Ecuador's actions violated the sanctity of diplomatic premises, drawing condemnation from around the world.

Mexico, supported by other Latin American and Caribbean leaders, condemned Ecuador's breach of diplomatic norms.

President Daniel Noboa's decision to authorize the raid on the embassy was met with widespread criticism.

Diplomatic premises are considered foreign soil and are protected under international law, particularly the Vienna Treaties.

During the virtual CELAC meeting, leaders expressed solidarity with Mexico's demand for accountability.

President Xiomara Castro of Honduras, currently leading CELAC, spearheaded the condemnation of Ecuador's actions.

Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador reiterated the call for Ecuador's suspension from the United Nations until it apologizes and pledges not to repeat such actions.

President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela ordered the recall of all diplomatic personnel from Ecuador until international law is respected in the country.

Maduro insisted on Glas's return to the Mexican embassy and the recognition of his political asylum.

Criticisms and Fallout

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa's absence from the CELAC meeting drew further criticism.

Maduro accused Noboa of evading responsibility and suggested that he was hiding from public scrutiny.

Meanwhile, the closure of Venezuela's embassy in Quito added to the diplomatic tensions in the region.

The diplomatic rifts between Ecuador, Mexico, Honduras, and Venezuela have raised concerns about the welfare of Venezuelan migrants, AP News noted.

Ecuador hosts a significant number of Venezuelan migrants, and any disruption in diplomatic relations could affect their status and well-being.

The recent events surrounding the police Mexico embassy raid in Quito have not only strained diplomatic ties but also raised questions about adherence to international law and norms in the Latin American and Caribbean region.

The responses from Honduras and Venezuela underscore the gravity of the situation and the need for a swift resolution to restore diplomatic order and ensure the protection of diplomatic premises.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Latin American countries condemn Ecuador raid on Mexico embassy - From Al Jazeera English