The escape of María de los Ángeles Duarte from the Argentine Embassy in Quito has caused a diplomatic crisis between Argentina and Ecuador. The presidents of both nations took their complaints to Twitter, with accusations of unfairness and excess. The crisis began when Duarte, a fugitive from Ecuadorian justice, escaped to Venezuela, where she remains at large. She had been a refugee in the Argentine Embassy for over two years with her teenage son until her escape on March 14. The decision of Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso to withdraw the Ecuadorian ambassador from Buenos Aires has been deemed excessive by his Argentinean counterpart, Alberto Fernández.
In a letter posted on Twitter, Fernández emphasized that the departure of Duarte from the Embassy was beyond the control of Argentinean authorities, and the decision to expel the Argentine ambassador was a gross overreaction. He urged Lasso to take responsibility for not exercising due diligence to prevent the fugitive’s free movement.
Lasso, on the other hand, expressed regret that President Fernández had prioritized his friendship with former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa over the brotherhood between both countries. Correa is in Buenos Aires for a human rights forum, which he is attending along with other former presidents.
The issue highlights the importance of diplomatic relations and the need for cooperation between countries. It also serves as a reminder that a fugitive from justice has no right to seek refuge in the Embassy of another country, and that such situations can cause tension between nations. Despite their differences, both presidents should work towards a peaceful resolution of the crisis, with a focus on strengthening ties between their peoples.
