to modify the 1954 Caracas Convention, on political asylum, aiming to prevent misuse of the rule that distorts its essence, the
announced.
“A process of consultations with other OAS member states will begin immediately to advance this proposal, whose central goal is (to ensure) that the rule of law is respected by all inhabitants of the Americas,” it noted on Friday evening.
In a press release, the Peruvian government agency specified that this proposal will be put forward by order of President Jose Jeri.
“The results of these efforts, to be carried out with utmost urgency, will be announced in due course. Once this process is completed, the Peruvian government will take the appropriate decisions,” it indicated.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry’s communiqué comes after an assessment of Mexico’s request for safe-conduct for former Prime Minister Betssy Chavez. The foreign government recently granted her political asylum.
“Not only have internal consultations been conducted, but also with legal experts from the region. A first conclusion of this legal-political analysis is that, since the adoption of the 1954 Caracas Convention within the framework of the Organization of American States (OAS), its international practice has evolved negatively,” the ministry explained.
“It has been observed in various cases—not only linked to Peru—that in recent years this regulation has been misused, with common crimes being classified as political persecution cases,” the agency added.
In this regard, the Peruvian government considered that this practice distorts the Convention’s essence, which was intended to protect nationals of the Inter-American System’s member states from political persecution.
“Under no circumstances should it be used to circumvent the application of national laws and allow individuals who have committed crimes to escape judicial decisions,” the document said.
Moreover, the government expressed its deep concern and rejection over the fact that the right to asylum has been distorted by granting it to individuals who do not face persecution in democratic states, but are instead being prosecuted or even convicted for common crimes.
Cuban Ambassador
The communiqué also reported that the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister summoned Cuba’s Ambassador to Peru, Carlos Zamora, on October 28 to discuss the activities conducted during his tenure in the South American country.
“Based on the discussions held at this meeting, it is announced that Ambassador Zamora has concluded his duties in Peru and left the (host) country permanently,” it stated.
