Crisis in Latin America: They declared the president ‘persona non grata’

The Peruvian Congress declared Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, whom it claimed interferes in the country’s internal affairs, “persona non grata” in the country.

In the vote carried out in the Foreign Relations Commission of the Peruvian Congress, the decision was approved with 11 votes in favor, 1 against and 3 abstentions. It was reported that in accordance with article 68 of the Congress statute, the resolution would be discussed in the General Assembly for its approval.

By emphasizing that López Obrador’s recent statements on Peru are “unacceptable”, deputy Patricia Chirinos affirmed that Mexico violates international law. Chirinos accused López Obrador of interfering in the country’s internal affairs, adding: “The words of the Mexican president are to mock Peruvians and divide the country.” she performed her assessment.

In his May 15 statement at the National Palace, López Obrador, who has criticized Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, said former President Pedro Castillo was unjustly imprisoned and Boluarte usurped Castillo’s office.

López Obrador affirmed that Castillo won the free and democratic elections and said: “The lady (Boluarte) mentioned me and I reminded her to leave Castillo. Castillo was jailed because he was a humble person. Racism and discrimination are prevalent in the country,” he said. López Obrador, who argued at every opportunity that the current government of Peru is not legal and legitimate, announced that they will not hand over the mandate of the Pacific Alliance, which they headed, to Peru.

DIPLOMATIC TENSION

Tensions have been building in diplomatic relations between Mexico and Peru since former Peruvian President Castillo was overthrown by Congress on December 7, 2022. Mexico does not recognize the current Peruvian government as legitimate, citing that Congress illegally and undemocratically removed to Castle.

After Castillo was removed from office by the Peruvian Congress, especially Colombia, Mexico and Honduras harshly criticized the current administration of Peru. Peru indefinitely withdrew its ambassador to Honduras on January 26, its ambassador to Mexico on February 24, and its ambassador to Colombia on March 30, alleging interference in its internal affairs.

The Peruvian Congress declared Colombian President Gustavo Petro a “persona non grata” in the country for his statements to the police. (AA)