Peru Declares Mexican President Persona Non Grata Over Asylum Spat
Tensions rise between Peru and Mexico after Mexico grants asylum to ex-Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chavez.
LIMA: Peru's Congress voted to declare Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum persona non grata on Thursday following her country's grant of asylum to former Peruvian Prime Minister Betssy Chavez.
The move comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two Latin American nations.
Chavez, who served as prime minister in December 2022 under then-President Pedro Castillo, is currently facing trial for allegedly aiding a coup attempt that year.
Mexico's decision to grant Chavez asylum has been seen as interference in Peru's internal affairs, leading to a significant deterioration in bilateral relations.
Peru responded by breaking off formal diplomatic ties with Mexico on Monday.
The break in relations was prompted by the Mexican government's granting of asylum to Chavez, who was charged alongside Castillo for their alleged involvement in the coup attempt.
While Castillo remains in preventive custody following his impeachment, Chavez was released on bail and has taken up residence at the Mexican ambassador's residence pending her safe passage to Mexico.
The declaration against Sheinbaum passed in a 63-33 vote by Peru's Congress, which also recently removed Castillo's successor, Dina Boluarte.
Congress President Fernando Rospigliosi stated that it had been established that Sheinbaum interfered in Peru's affairs, both verbally and through the grant of asylum to Chavez.
Socialist lawmaker Jaime Quito criticized the measure, calling it an international embarrassment and a move that would further strain relations with Mexico.
Following the breakdown in diplomatic relations, interim Peruvian President Jose Jeri announced on Monday night that Mexico's top diplomat in Peru had been given a strict deadline to leave the country.
The tension between Lima and Mexico stems from the ousting of Castillo in December 2022, an event that was perceived as controversial and has since strained bilateral relations.
Castillo, who was on his way to seek asylum at the Mexican embassy when he was arrested, now faces charges of rebellion and abuse of authority.
Prosecutors have sought a 25-year sentence for Chavez and a 34-year sentence for Castillo for their alleged roles in the coup attempt.
The move comes amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two Latin American nations.
Chavez, who served as prime minister in December 2022 under then-President Pedro Castillo, is currently facing trial for allegedly aiding a coup attempt that year.
Mexico's decision to grant Chavez asylum has been seen as interference in Peru's internal affairs, leading to a significant deterioration in bilateral relations.
Peru responded by breaking off formal diplomatic ties with Mexico on Monday.
The break in relations was prompted by the Mexican government's granting of asylum to Chavez, who was charged alongside Castillo for their alleged involvement in the coup attempt.
While Castillo remains in preventive custody following his impeachment, Chavez was released on bail and has taken up residence at the Mexican ambassador's residence pending her safe passage to Mexico.
The declaration against Sheinbaum passed in a 63-33 vote by Peru's Congress, which also recently removed Castillo's successor, Dina Boluarte.
Congress President Fernando Rospigliosi stated that it had been established that Sheinbaum interfered in Peru's affairs, both verbally and through the grant of asylum to Chavez.
Socialist lawmaker Jaime Quito criticized the measure, calling it an international embarrassment and a move that would further strain relations with Mexico.
Following the breakdown in diplomatic relations, interim Peruvian President Jose Jeri announced on Monday night that Mexico's top diplomat in Peru had been given a strict deadline to leave the country.
The tension between Lima and Mexico stems from the ousting of Castillo in December 2022, an event that was perceived as controversial and has since strained bilateral relations.
Castillo, who was on his way to seek asylum at the Mexican embassy when he was arrested, now faces charges of rebellion and abuse of authority.
Prosecutors have sought a 25-year sentence for Chavez and a 34-year sentence for Castillo for their alleged roles in the coup attempt.
