Mexico and Peru restored diplomatic relations on Friday after more than three years of tensions. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum described the decision as an important step toward rebuilding relations between the two countries.
As part of the normalization process, Peru issued former Prime Minister Betssy Chavez a safe-conduct document at the request of the Mexican government. Peru's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the document was issued under the 1954 Caracas Convention, to which both countries are parties.
The ministry said the decision would not prevent Peru from seeking Chavez's extradition if requested by the country's judicial authorities. Peru reserved the right to submit an extradition request under applicable bilateral and international agreements.
Peru's statement on Chavez
Peru said Chavez had been found guilty as a co-perpetrator of conspiring to attempt a rebellion against the constitutional order. The offense is defined in Article 349 of Peru's Penal Code.
The National Prosecutor's Office is also investigating Chavez over allegations of illicit enrichment and constitutional crimes.
Peru's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that Chavez was not being subjected to political prosecution. The ministry said Peru remained committed to the rule of law, the separation of powers and a fair trial.
Relations deteriorated in 2022
Relations between Mexico and Peru deteriorated after former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo attempted to dissolve Congress in December 2022. Castillo was removed from office and detained.
Lima later downgraded diplomatic relations after Mexico granted asylum to members of Castillo's family and to Chavez.
Peru's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was continuing consultations within the Organization of American States to prevent distortions in the application of diplomatic asylum. The ministry said it wanted these efforts to preserve the original purpose of diplomatic asylum.
