Brazil’s ambassador in Ecuador, Sérgio Florêncio, said Monday, April 25, that the concession of political asylum is a juridical act, and not a political one, and that the permit granted to Ecuador’s ex-president Lucio Gutiérrez does not imply on any political judgment or feeling.
“Brazil’s basic objective was to contribute to the social peace on Ecuador. The Ecuadorean government perfectly understands Brazilian government’s position, and I believe that soon the Ecuadorean population will have a similar opinion about the Brazilian gesture,” said Florêncio.
According to him, the asylum granted to Gutiérrez will not affect relations between Brazil and Ecuador. “The Ecuadorean Chancellor demonstrated willingness and firm intention to maintain friendly and constructive relations with Brazil,” stated the Brazilian diplomat.
Sérgio Florêncio mentioned that, when the diplomatic asylum process was finally concluded and Gutiérrez departed the country, protests in front of the Brazilian Embassy ceased.
The safe-conduct authorizing Gutiérrez’ departure from Ecuador was granted by that country’s government Friday, April 22. For security reasons, Brazilian government kept the information about the authorization secret.
The document was necessary to warrant the integrity and freedom of the ex-president until his departure to Brazil.
Agência Brasil