Background on Key Individuals and Context
Peru is currently evaluating whether to grant a safe passage document to Betssy Chávez, the former chief of staff for the leftist ex-president Pedro Castillo. Chávez is currently seeking asylum in Mexico’s embassy in Lima. This decision comes amidst Peru’s efforts to mitigate potential impacts on bilateral trade relations following the diplomatic rift between the two countries due to this case.
Hugo de Zela, Peru’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated on Wednesday that a team of legal experts is analyzing the situation to reach a “state decision” regarding Chávez’s safe passage. De Zela expressed hope that the analysis would be completed by the end of the week.
The diplomatic tension between Peru and Mexico began earlier in 2023 due to Mexico’s support for the ousted Castillo. Despite not having ambassadors since then, Peru severed relations with Mexico on Monday over what it deemed an “unfriendly act” by Mexico in granting asylum to Chávez. Peruvian prosecutors have sought a 25-year prison sentence for Chávez, who denies the charges against her.
Mexico’s Role and the Convención de Caracas de 1954
Mexico has maintained asylum for Castillo’s children and spouse since late 2022, when the ex-president was expelled and arrested for allegedly attempting to dissolve Congress, facing charges of “rebellion.”
De Zela mentioned that Peruvian legal experts are reviewing the terms of the “Convención de Caracas de 1954”, which Mexico cited to grant asylum to Chávez, who was facing charges of conspiracy against the state and participation in the attempt to close Congress.
Peru’s Efforts to Minimize Negative Impacts
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 internal matters. He also highlighted Peru’s commitment to minimizing any negative consequences resulting from the severed relations between two countries that are part of the Pacific Alliance, an economic bloc also comprising Chile and Colombia.
Peru aims to contain this issue within the political sphere and prevent adverse effects on commerce, tourism, and consular affairs between the two nations.
Bilateral Trade Between Peru and Mexico
In the previous year, bilateral trade between Peru and Mexico totaled approximately US$2.507 billion, with Mexico exporting US$1.620 billion worth of goods and importing US$888 million, according to data from Peru’s Government.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Betssy Chávez? Betssy Chávez is the former chief of staff for Peru’s leftist ex-president Pedro Castillo.
- Why is Chávez seeking asylum in Mexico’s embassy in Lima? Chávez is facing charges of conspiracy against the state and participation in an attempt to close Congress.
- What is the Convención de Caracas de 1954? It’s a treaty cited by Mexico to justify granting asylum to Chávez.
- What is the Pacific Alliance? It’s an economic bloc comprising Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico.
- What was the nature of the diplomatic rift between Peru and Mexico? The rift resulted from Mexico’s support for the ousted Peruvian ex-president Pedro Castillo.
- What is the extent of bilateral trade between Peru and Mexico? In the previous year, it totaled approximately US$2.507 billion, with Mexico exporting US$1.620 billion and importing US$888 million worth of goods.
