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Empire has its privileges. But there are consequences. One recalls the scandal during the Obama Administration when in the wake of the 2013 Snowden leaks the leading powers went looking for him. Fearing he might be on the plane of the President of Bolivia (with the Bolivian President in it), certain European states closed their air space to the jet, which was forced to land in Austria. No Snowden, but lots of fall out diplomatically. "The geopolitical storm churned up by Edward J. Snowden, the fugitive
American intelligence contractor, continued to spread on Wednesday as
Latin American leaders roundly condemned the refusal to let Bolivia’s
president fly over several European nations, rallying to his side after
Bolivian officials said the president’s plane had been thwarted because
of suspicions that Mr. Snowden was on board." (NYT here). In the end, a few strategic apologies, some explanatory texts on an inter-governmental level, a delightful breakfast between the Bolvian and Austrian presidents on the Presidential jet, and the expected rebuke by high UN officials appeared to settle the matter (though not perhaps the feelings that it produced).
Among subaltern powers, however, the breaching of traditional baseline rules can produce much greater consequences.
On April 5th Ecuadorian police scaled the walls of the Mexican embassy (pictured) in Quito, Ecuador’s capital. They stormed the building and seized Jorge Glas, Ecuador’s former vice-president. He had been granted asylum by Mexico just hours earlier. (Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Mexico’s president, is sympathetic to Mr Glas’s party.) For domestic police to raid an embassy is extremely unusual. It has outraged diplomats and been condemned around the world. Mexico immediately brought the case to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. (Why Ecuador Risked Global Condemnation)Almost immediately Mexico broke its diplomatic relations with Ecuador (here). Within weeks, the Mexican State, as is becoming quite fashionable among states that have now learned the benefits of engaging in politics through judicial mechanisms, filed an action with the International Court of Justice which sought among other things to "suspend Ecuador from the U.N. unless and until it issues "a public apology recognizing its violations to the fundamental principles and norms of international law, to guarantee the reparation to the moral harm inflicted upon the United Mexican States and its affected nationals" (Reporting here). And the expected condemnations followed--not that these were wrong, merely that, as in the Snowden adventure of a decade earlier, they were textual (eg here). The issue is clear enough, as a matter of law and norm, and the protection of a rightly perceived to be fundamental premise of inter-State relations--"'This is not a leftist thing, or a right-wing thing,' said José Miguel Vivanco, a Chilean lawyer and fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. 'It’s a fundamental principle that has been breached and deserves strong condemnation from the international community to make sure this isn’t going to become the new normal.'”(here)
Nonetheless, for the instigators, the benefit might well have been worth the price, at least according to analysis published in the New York Times in the wake of the action.
President Daniel Noboa has been faced with flagging approval ratings amid rising violence weeks before a referendum that could affect his prospects for re-election next year. The spat with Mexico, which suspended diplomatic relations, may be just what he needed. . . Mr. Noboa’s ability to show that he can restore law and order to the nation of nearly 18 million may prove critical to his re-election, and that means tackling the country’s gangs, as well as corruption within the government that has enabled criminal groups, analysts say. (here)
But the story is more interesting that that.
Noboa admitted from Miami (Florida, US) in an interview with an Australian outlet that he did not regret ordering Glas' capture although it meant violating diplomatic conventions. He insisted he was on the “right side of history” despite worldwide condemnation. . . In his view, Mexico was the first to violate Ecuadorean sovereignty when assistance was provided to a fugitive and therefore ”we had to make a decision.“ Noboa added that Glas intended to flee Ecuador from the diplomatic mission. ”Justice is not negotiated,” Noboa also pointed out. (here)
The Ecuadorian position contrasts with the way that people thought about these things half a century agao when, for instance, clerics in one of the subaltern states of the Soviet Empire sought and was granted refuge in an embassy (Cardinal József Mindszenty living in the US Embassy in Hungary for 15 years from 1956). The new reality might not be Cardinal Mindszenty but Julian Assage, ironically a guest of the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for 5 years ending in 2019 when he was asked to leave (here). Indeed, where the issue here includes corruption, the position of the Mexican States (though it can act as it likes to suit its politics of course, irrespective of the specifics around which those actions are undertaken) might be lessIn any case, there is a substantial gap between sympathy, strategic measures that force someone out, and a direct action. And yet, again, for Ecuador, the benefit may be worth the price.
Far more interesting has been the effects within the domains of Latin American politics, especially among the CELAC states (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) including Cuba--the competitor organization to the OAS (Organization of American States) including the United States. CELAC Member States support Mexico's claims and are now considering sanctions alongside the sanctions sought within the UN system. Ancient practices, unexamined in light of current conditions, but used strategically, can only produce the sort of theatrics that benefit those who are capable of taking advantage of its possibilities. But States can no longer time travel back to the Era of the Pre-Modern because it may suit them strategically; and the web of norm constructed since 1945 ought to make that impulse somewhat more problematic. All of this leaves a host of questions that perhaps beg for conversation if not action, and they do not cut in any particular direction, though each points to a need, perhaps, to revisit ancient concepts in the current stage of global historical development: (1) what ought to be the relationship between the interference of one state in the domestic affairs of another when balanced against the privileges of embassies and related organs; (2) to what extent ought embassies to be protected when they are complicit in violations of international law and norms (for example, facilitating networks of corruption); (3) what remedy ought to be attached to what duty; (4) to the extent that it is a global good to treat embassies as beyond the law of a State (and there are good reasons for that) ought there to be a central mechanism for managing embassy behaviors built into the structures of the UN system; (5) ought one to begin to develop frameworks for coherence in approach to embassy issues, practices, expectations, and legalities when exercised polycentrically by regional, national, and international organizations; (6) .
The Mexican President's summary of his presentation to CELAC (in Spanish), the Statement by the President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez in support of the Mexican position, and an analysis authored by Marina Vanni for Latin Counsel follow below.
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Países de Celac respaldan a México frente a violaciones del Ecuador al derecho internacional
Presidente López Obrador propone a los Estados miembros acompañar a México en la demanda ante la Corte Internacional de Justicia
Presidencia de la República | 16 de abril de 2024 | Comunicado
Ciudad de México, 16 de abril de 2024.- El presidente Andrés Manuel López Obrador participó en la Cumbre Extraordinaria de Jefas y Jefes de Estado y de Gobierno de la Comunidad de Estados Latinoamericanos y Caribeños (Celac), con motivo del ataque del gobierno de la República del Ecuador a la embajada mexicana. El encuentro fue convocado por la República de Honduras en su calidad de presidencia pro tempore.
El primer mandatario recordó que México demandó al Ecuador ante la Corte Internacional de Justicia (CIJ) por la flagrante violación a nuestra soberanía y al derecho internacional durante la violenta irrupción de la policía de ese país en la embajada mexicana y la agresión al personal diplomático, el pasado 5 de abril.
“Agradecemos la solidaridad de la mayoría de los pueblos y de los gobiernos de América Latina, del Caribe. Y queremos, también, proponerles, si lo consideran viable, factible, que nos acompañen suscribiendo la denuncia en el tribunal de justicia internacional.”
Precisó que nuestro país solicita la expulsión del Ecuador de las Naciones Unidas en tanto no se pronuncie por la no repetición de este hecho vergonzoso y violatorio del derecho internacional, y en tanto no haya una disculpa pública.
Añadió que México también solicita definir un procedimiento a partir de este hecho para casos futuros, con el fin de que la CIJ presente a la Asamblea General de Naciones Unidas la resolución de expulsión definitiva de la propia ONU, sin que los integrantes del Consejo de Seguridad puedan ejercer el ya caduco derecho de veto, sino que sean los Estados miembros quienes resuelvan democráticamente.
“Desde luego, está de por medio el derecho de asilo. Ustedes saben lo que ha significado históricamente para México el garantizar la protección y el asilo a perseguidos políticos; es algo histórico que, con mucho orgullo y decisión, reafirmó el presidente Lázaro Cárdenas dándole protección a judíos, a luchadores, o en la guerra civil española; a Trotsky, cuando no querían recibirlo en ninguna parte.
“Y no sólo fue el presidente Cárdenas, todos los presidentes posrevolucionarios han cuidado el derecho de asilo. Es sagrado para nosotros.”
En la demanda también se solicitan medidas provisionales a la CIJ para que Ecuador garantice la seguridad e inviolabilidad de la Embajada de México que mantiene bienes y archivos en su interior.
Los jefes y las jefas de Estado y de Gobierno condenaron enérgicamente las acciones violentas perpetradas por Ecuador, ya que constituyen un daño irreparable al sistema internacional por trasgredir las normas básicas de convivencia entre los países y los principios de la Carta de las Naciones Unidas.
Coincidieron en que las acciones del gobierno de Ecuador violaron los artículos 22 y 29 de la Convención de Viena sobre Relaciones Diplomáticas (CVRD) y, en ese sentido, debe haber consecuencias de la magnitud del daño sufrido por México, por lo que expresaron su apoyo a las acciones emprendidas por nuestro país.
La presidenta de Honduras, Xiomara Castro Sarmiento, ratificó el compromiso de consolidar la comunidad de América Latina y el Caribe como una zona de paz en la cual las diferencias entre las naciones se resuelvan pacíficamente, a fin de que esos actos irracionales y salvajes jamás se repitan en nuestra región latinoamericana.
En la reunión virtual también participaron las y los mandatarios de la República de Bolivia, Luis Arce Catacora; República Federativa de Brasil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; República de Colombia, Gustavo Petro Urrego; República de Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez; República de Guatemala, César Bernardo Arévalo de León; República Cooperativa de Guyana, Mohamed Irfaan Ali; San Vicente y las Granadinas, Ralph Gonsalves; y República Bolivariana de Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro Moros.
* * *
Dear President Xiomara Castro;
Heads of State and Government and other representatives of the nations of our region,
On behalf of its people and government, Cuba appreciates and supports the convening of this special CELAC Summit, given the serious nature of the issue that brings us together.
As the legitimate and only mechanism for dialogue and consultation that brings together the 33 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, we have the responsibility to consider and pronounce ourselves on the serious events that took place on April 5 at the Mexican Embassy in Ecuador.
A few weeks ago, in commemorating the tenth anniversary of the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, I recalled the common duty to ratify the commitment that no country in Latin America and the Caribbean would ever use violence against a sister country.
Against this duty and our commitments, last April 5, the Ecuadorian police violently broke into the diplomatic premises of Mexico in Quito, a hostile and unacceptable act, which merits the most unequivocal rejection.
I reiterate Cuba's strong condemnation of this flagrant violation of international law, including the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the right to asylum.
The images we have seen leave no doubt: Mexico's sovereignty was violated. The physical integrity and dignity of diplomatic personnel was infringed upon.
The resort to dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes -the basis of relations between our nations- was ignored.
The commitment we all endorsed in the Peace Proclamation to banish the use of force forever was ignored.
What has happened not only has a very negative impact on the bilateral relations between Mexico and Ecuador but also affects all countries in this region and the international community as a whole.
The violation of international law and the undermining of the legitimate rights of a State are a grievance to all.
We urge the restoration of former Vice President Jorge Glas' status prior to the assault on the Mexican Embassy, and that his case be reviewed in accordance with international law.
Ensuring that reprehensible events such as this do not happen again in Latin America and the Caribbean will largely depend on the actions we take today.
To accept or remain silent in the face of the unacceptable behavior of the government of Ecuador would set a very grave and dangerous precedent.
CELAC and the countries represented in it have the obligation to defend international law firmly and without hesitation, making it absolutely clear that the violation of its principles is not justified under any circumstances.
Respecting international law is an imperative to guarantee peaceful coexistence. It is also a necessary premise to maintain unity within our diversity. It is an essential requirement to move forward towards the integration that can no longer be deferred.
Excellencies, friends, brothers and sisters of Latin America and the Caribbean;
As I expressed just a few hours after the attack on the Mexican Embassy in Ecuador, I extend our full solidarity to our brother Mexican people, to our dear President Andrés López Obrador, to Secretary Alicia Bárcena and to the Mexican government.
From Cuba, where you are admired and loved for your exemplary and historical respect for the rights of others, your solidarity and your commitment to integration, I reaffirm that Mexico can count on our firm support to any actions it may take in response to this unacceptable breach of international law.
Thank you.
(Cubaminrex)
* * *
Miembros de la CELAC evalúan posibles sanciones contra Ecuador tras la irrupción en la embajada de México
En una sesión virtual encabezada por Honduras, se debatió el asalto a la sede diplomática en Quito cuyo objetivo fue detener al exvicepresidente ecuatoriano Jorge Glas.
Marina Vanni, April 17, 2024
Este martes 16 de abril, los líderes de los países que conforman la CELAC, la Comunidad de Estados Latinoamericanos y Caribeños, se reunieron para abordar la crisis diplomática que involucra a Ecuador y México.
En el encuentro, el presidente mexicano Andrés Manuel López Obrador, pidió a los demás líderes que lo acompañen en su denuncia contra Ecuador en la Corte Internacional de Justicia. El mandatario aseguró que buscan que, de no haber una disculpa, se expulse a Ecuador de las Naciones Unidas por la violación a la soberanía mexicana y al derecho internacional.
Durante la reunión, el cuestionado presidente de Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, anunció el cierre de la embajada y los consulados de su país en Ecuador. El gobierno de Nicaragua ya había seguido estos pasos, rompiendo relaciones con Quito el sábado pasado.
También los mandatarios de Colombia y Brasil, Gustavo Petro y Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, condenaron enérgicamente el asalto a la embajada del pasado 5 de abril, cuando policías ingresaron por la fuerza al recinto.
Por su parte, el presidente de Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, quien no estuvo presente en la reunión sino a través de su canciller, ha defendido las acciones para detener a Glas, argumentando que el exvicepresidente de la gestión de Rafael Correa cuenta con una condena penal por corrupción. Glas se encontraba asilado en el lugar desde diciembre del año pasado luego de obtener la libertad condicional.
Mientras el gobierno asegura que la medida se tomó para defender la soberanía nacional y no permitir la intervención externa en los asuntos internos del país, la comunidad internacional observó con preocupación la secuencia de hechos.
La semana pasada, el secretario general de la ONU, Antonio Guterres, dijo en un comunicado estar "alarmado" por la situación. La OEA, la Organización de Estados Americanos, condenó el accionar de Ecuador y llamó a resolver las diferencias con México por la vía pacífica.
Autora: Marina Vanni
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