"Embassy Raid: Ecuador's Breach of International Law Amid Turmoil"

GS PAPER 2

The Hindu Editorial

Background

Arrest Raid: On April 5, Ecuadorian forces raided the Mexico embassy in Quito to arrest Jorge David Glas, a former Vice-President of Ecuador, who took refuge there in December 2023.
Political Context: Mr. Glas and former President Rafael Correa, both of whom are facing corruption charges, claim the cases against them are politically motivated.

Diplomatic Crisis

Violation of Vienna Convention: The raid violated the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
Tensions with Mexico: Ecuador's actions have created tensions with Mexico, as Mr. Glas was granted asylum by Mexico.
Persona Non Grata: Ecuador declared Mexico's Ambassador Raquel Serur Smeke as persona non grata after critical comments on Ecuador's elections.

Legal Action and Consequences

International Court of Justice: Mexico is seeking action against Ecuador at the International Court of Justice for breaching its sovereignty.
UN Expulsion: Mexico demands Ecuador's expulsion from the United Nations.

Domestic Challenges and Criticisms

Rising Gang Violence: President Daniel Noboa is facing criticism over rising gang violence, particularly in the coastal city of Guayaquil.
Assassination of Presidential Candidate: Last year’s presidential election was marked by violence, including the assassination of candidate Fernando Villavicencio.
Political Motive: Critics suggest that Noboa is using the crisis with Mexico to bolster his political position amid a sinking approval rating.

Government Response and Future Outlook

Security Powers Referendum: Ecuadorians are set to vote on a referendum to grant increased security powers to the government.
Need for Legal Compliance: The government needs to address challenges, including gang violence, within the bounds of domestic and international laws.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION:-

Other than Venezuela, which one among the following from South America is a member of OPEC? [2009]

(a) Argentina (b) Brazil

Correct answer:- "c"

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a cartel of twelve developing countries made up of Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela.