Switzerland assumes protecting power mandate for Ecuador in Venezuela

At Quito's request, Switzerland will represent Ecuador's interests in Venezuela. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis and Ecuador's ambassador to Switzerland, Verónica Bustamante Ponce, signed an agreement to this effect on Thursday. The Swiss embassies in Quito and Caracas will now provide the diplomatic channel, the Swiss foreign ministry said on Thursday. Consular functions will be carried out by a section established to safeguard Ecuador's interests. It will be legally attached to the Swiss embassy but located in the building of the Ecuadorian embassy in Caracas. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Quito and Caracas severed diplomatic relations after the Venezuelan presidential elections last July, the foreign ministry explained. Diplomatic tensions between the two countries had been building prior to this. + Switzerland lands in middle of dispute between Mexico and Ecuador Good offices are firmly rooted in Swiss diplomatic tradition. The mandate on ...