By Zoila Palma: Ecuador has declared Cuba’s ambassador, Basilio Antonio Gutiérrez, and his diplomatic staff “persona non grata,” giving them 48 hours to leave the South American country.
The decision was announced Wednesday by Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which said the measure was taken within the framework of international diplomatic law.
Officials did not provide a specific reason for the expulsion, AP reports.
The move follows an executive order signed a day earlier by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, ending the duties of Ecuador’s ambassador to Cuba, José María Borja, also without explanation.
Shortly after the announcement, a man was seen on the roof of the Cuban Embassy in Quito burning a bag of papers in an oven, an act witnessed by journalists and later referenced by Noboa in a video posted on social media.
Cuba’s government strongly rejected the decision, calling it an “unfriendly and unprecedented act” that damages the long-standing relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
In a statement, Cuba’s Foreign Ministry said the action showed contempt for established diplomatic practices observed by the international community.
The expulsion comes amid growing regional tensions, including increased pressure by the United States on Cuba and Ecuador’s cooperation with Washington in combating organized crime.
The post International News: Ecuador declares Cuban Ambassador persona non grata, orders mission to leave appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Ecuador has declared Cuba’s ambassador, Basilio Antonio Gutiérrez, and his diplomatic staff “persona non grata,” giving them 48 hours to leave the South American country. The decision was announced Wednesday by Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which said the measure was taken within the framework of international diplomatic law. Officials did not
The post International News: Ecuador declares Cuban Ambassador persona non grata, orders mission to leave appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.