Peru and Mexico restore relations after asylum granted to former PM

Peru has restored diplomatic relations with Mexico, ending a nine-month rupture that began after the attempted coup by former President Pedro Castillo. The decision to re-establish ties was formalized concurrently with Peru granting a safe-conduct pass to former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez, allowing her to travel to Mexico to seek political asylum.

Chávez had been sentenced to 11 years and 5 months in prison for her involvement in Castillo's failed coup attempt. She had sought refuge in the Mexican Embassy in Lima before Peru's current government, led by President Keiko Fujimori, decided to grant her the necessary documents for travel. Fujimori stated that the decision was made in accordance with international law and institutional respect, emphasizing that political affiliations were not considered.

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According to international law, it was appropriate, and that is why we have acted in this way, that the safe-conduct pass be granted to Mrs. Betssy Chávez. Here, when one acts in this institutional manner, political colors are not seen; one acts according to the law.

"According to international law, it was appropriate, and that is why we have acted in this way, that the safe-conduct pass be granted to Mrs. Betssy Chávez. Here, when one acts in this institutional manner, political colors are not seen; one acts according to the law," Fujimori told reporters. She expressed satisfaction with the restoration of relations, calling it a key objective she had set before taking office.

Peru intends to appoint its ambassador to Mexico in the coming days, and expects Mexico to reciprocate by announcing its representative to Peru. Fujimori acknowledged Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum's defense of Castillo, despite his conviction, stating that Mexico is within its rights to hold that position. While Peru respects its judiciary, Fujimori noted that the possibility of requesting Chávez's extradition has not yet been evaluated, prioritizing the re-establishment of bilateral relations.

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It is within her right to have that stance. The government's position is that Mr. Pedro Castillo has a conviction in the first instance, and we respect the powers of the Judiciary.