Ass ange & the Banana Republic

OPEN LETTER TO THE EMBASSY OF ECUADOR, LONDON
ecuembpress@gmail.com
16 August 2012

Sirs:

The British People, just like a global audience, take note with dismay and revulsion of your government's decision to grant shelter to a known, violent offender who is wanted in four (civilized) countries.

Your government demonstrates solidarity with violent criminals. The embassy functions as a facilitator of continuous criminal acts by a fugitive from justice, in gross violation of international treaties and standards regulating diplomatic and consular relations.

The statements of your foreign minister reflect on a deeply rooted inferiority complex, voicing an irrational complaint for being treated like a British colony (as if any nation other than Venezuela under its morose leader had any interest in Ecuador!). The appropriate treatment of your country would be to drag you to the UN and shun you as a rogue nation.

Practical steps for the British Government to take would be to sever all diplomatic and cultural ties with your country and expel the embassy's staff. The accused rapist Assange, however, will remain holed-up inside the building of the then shut down embassy, and be cut off from electricity and water, as well as food.

It is deplorable that an undemocratic regime like yours uses - and allows to be used by - a globally wanted fugitive, whose arrogance and impertinence are met by your blatant disregard for the laws of your host country. You have failed miserably as a guest, and should therefore be declared personae non grata. Subsequently economic sanctions should be imposed against your country, such as the recanting of "most favored trade status."

I thought the term "banana republic" has lost its appropriateness to label some of the central American nations since the fall of Panama's Noriega regime. Your government, however, has successfully resurrected the term and can now claim it for Ecuador. "Noriega" should also serve as a stark reminder for the fugitive-in-hiding, that temporary shelter will not prevent the ultimate apprehension, and will only stiffen the eventual prison sentence.

I hope to see your embassy closed within days.