Venezuela orders the closure of its embassy in Ecuador
NPR Online NewsApr 02
Mexico Thanks Venezuela, Honduras for Actions to Protest Ecuador Embassy Raid
The Facts
Mexico's Pres. Andrés Manuel López Obrador expressed on Wednesday his gratitude to Honduras and Venezuela for their latest diplomatic decisions to protest the raid on the Mexican embassy in Quito earlier this month.
Venezuela announced the closure of its embassy and consulates in Ecuador the previous day. Pres. Nicolás Maduro added that diplomats were ordered to leave the country.
The Spin
Narrative A
It's no wonder such widespread outrage erupted over this incident. Ecuador has breached long-established rules on diplomatic immunity with its forces raiding Mexico's embassy in Quito and even injuring staff within the premises. Additionally, this arrest violates the regional 1954 Convention on Diplomatic Asylum.
Narrative B
Though some may claim that Ecuador has violated international law with this embassy raid and arrest, it's effectively the other way around. It was Mexico that abused its immunities and privileges to illegitimately grant political asylum and provide refuge to a convicted criminal. The actions taken in Quito were entirely justified.