Cuba’s Ambassador Departs Peru Amidst Asylum Dispute
LIMA, Peru – The Peruvian Foreign Ministry announced today that Carlos Zamora, Cuba’s ambassador to Peru, has concluded his duties and departed the country, according to a statement released by the Chancellery. The departure follows a recent meeting concerning diplomatic relations and occurs during a period of heightened tension with Mexico.
The diplomatic strain stems from Mexico’s decision to grant diplomatic asylum to Betssy chávez, the former president of the Council of Ministers, and a subsequent request for safe passage for Chávez to leave Peru. The peruvian government stated it will soon announce it’s position regarding mexico’s request.
Prior to a final decision,Peru will consult with the Organization of American States (OAS) and propose modifications to the 1954 Caracas Convention on Diplomatic Asylum. The Chancellery argues that the convention has been subject to “a negative development” in international asylum practice as its adoption, with instances of “improper use” classifying common crimes as political persecution.
“The Government of Peru considers that this practice distorts the essence of the Convention… In no case should it be used to evade the submission of national laws,” the Chancellery stated.
Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to present a proposal to OAS member countries to modify the Caracas Convention, aiming to prevent the continued distortion of its original intent and to ensure it protects individuals from genuine political persecution, not those facing prosecution for common crimes. The Chancellery expressed its rejection of asylum being granted to individuals “prosecuted or even convicted for common crimes” in democratic states.
