New Swiss protecting power mandates in Latin America
Published: Monday, Jun 24th 2024, 16:20
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Switzerland has two new protecting power mandates in Latin America. It now represents Mexico's interests vis-à-vis Ecuador and Ecuador's interests vis-à-vis Mexico. Corresponding agreements have been signed with both countries. Both countries had asked Switzerland to do so.
Mexico broke off diplomatic relations with Ecuador last April 5. With the protecting power mandates, Switzerland is ensuring that the diplomatic and consular channel between the two countries remains open, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) announced on Monday.
The reason for Mexico breaking off relations was that Ecuadorian armed forces had entered the Mexican embassy in Quito without permission. Mexico had granted former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who had been convicted of corruption, asylum in its embassy in Ecuador's capital Quito.
Glas had fled to the embassy in December because he feared being arrested again after being released from a prison sentence. Glas also has German citizenship.
Switzerland now has seven protecting power mandates. It has represented Iran's interests in Egypt since 1979 and the interests of the USA in Iran since 1980. Switzerland has been the protecting power for Russia in Georgia and for Georgia in Russia since 2009. And since 2019, it has represented Iran's interests in Canada.
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