Switzerland lands in middle of dispute between Mexico and Ecuador

Switzerland has assumed the role of protecting power for Mexico in Ecuador and vice versa. Relations between the two countries hit a new low when Ecuadorian police raided the Mexican embassy in Quito. A resolution does not appear to be on the horizon. Just two months after Mexico severed all diplomatic ties with Ecuador on April 5, Switzerland announced that it would assume the role of protecting power for Mexico and represent the country’s interests on Ecuadorian soil. The agreement to this effect was signed on June 15. Under pressure from the media, Ecuador announced the following day that it had reached a “mirror agreement” with Switzerland, which specifies that the Alpine country should act as a “diplomatic channel” to Mexico and assist Ecuador’s consular services. A protecting power mandate requires the formal consent of the country it is exercised in. According to the Swiss foreign ministry, Switzerland signed the relevant agreement with Mexico on June 15, and with Ecuador on ...