Background on Key Individuals and Context
Peru is currently evaluating whether to grant a safe passage document, known as a salvoconducto, to Betssy Chávez, the former chief of staff for the ousted leftist ex-president Pedro Castillo. Chávez is currently seeking asylum in the Mexican embassy in Lima.
Hugo de Zela, Peru’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that a team of legal experts is analyzing the case to make a “state decision” regarding Chávez’s safe passage. This situation arises as Peru and Mexico have recently experienced a diplomatic breakdown due to Mexico’s support for Castillo.
Since early 2023, Peru and Mexico have not had ambassadors in each other’s countries due to a dispute over Mexico’s backing of Castillo. The new level of relations comes weeks after José Jerí, the newly appointed interim president of Peru following Dina Boluarte’s removal, took office.
Mexico has been providing asylum to Castillo’s children, spouse, and other family members since late 2022. Castillo himself was expelled, arrested, and charged with “rebellion” after attempting to dissolve Congress.
Legal and Diplomatic Considerations
The Peruvian legal team is examining the terms of the “Convención de Caracas de 1954,” which Mexico cited to grant asylum to Chávez, who faces charges of conspiracy against the state and participation in the attempt to shut down Congress.
De Zela emphasized Peru’s interest in maintaining good relations with neighboring countries, provided there is a clear understanding that no interference should occur in their internal affairs.
Impact on Bilateral Relations
Peru severed diplomatic ties with Mexico on Monday due to what it deemed an unfriendly act by Mexico in offering asylum to Chávez, for whom Peruvian prosecutors have requested a 25-year prison sentence.
Chávez, who has denied the charges against her, was imprisoned from June 2023 and released in September of this year to defend herself freely.
De Zela asserted that the Peruvian government aims to “minimize any negative effects” resulting from the diplomatic rift between two countries that are part of the Pacific Alliance, an economic bloc also comprising Chile and Colombia.
“We are making every effort to contain this issue within the political realm and ensure it does not affect commerce, tourism, or especially the consular areas of both nations,” De Zela explained.
Economic Ties
The bilateral commerce between Peru and Mexico totaled approximately US$2,507 million in the previous year, with Mexico exporting US$1,620 million worth of goods and importing US$888 million, according to data from the Peruvian government.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Betssy Chávez? Betssy Chávez is the former chief of staff for Peru’s ousted leftist ex-president Pedro Castillo.
- Why is Peru considering a safe passage for Chávez? Peru’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugo de Zela, stated that a team of legal experts is analyzing the case to make a “state decision” regarding Chávez’s safe passage.
- What is the current state of Peru-Mexico relations? Peru and Mexico have not had ambassadors in each other’s countries since early 2023 due to a dispute over Mexico’s support for Castillo. Peru severed diplomatic ties with Mexico on Monday.
- What is the economic impact of this situation? The bilateral commerce between Peru and Mexico totaled approximately US$2,507 million in the previous year. Both countries aim to minimize any negative effects resulting from the diplomatic rift on commerce, tourism, and consular areas.
