Colombia accuses Ecuador of ‘deliberate interference’ in general elections
BOGOTA (AP) — The Colombian government on Saturday rejected a move by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa to lift tariffs on Colombian imports over a tariff pledge made to an opposition candidate, calling it a “deliberate interference” in trade. Ongoing selection process.
After a meeting with Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella on Friday, Noboa said he was determined to jointly fight narcoterrorism and would abolish the security tax on June 1.
Colombia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded on Saturday by saying that the removal of customs duties imposed by Ecuador on bilateral trade was due to a decision issued by the Andean Commonwealth, rejecting the description of it as a “goodwill gesture from the Ecuadorian leader.”
The ministry also described Noboa’s remarks as “deliberate interference in the electoral process” and “interference by a foreign leader”, amounting to “a clear violation of the principle of non-interference in internal affairs”.
Colombians go to the polls on Sunday to choose successor President Gustavo Petro.
De la Espriella, who represents the Defenders of the Homeland political movement, is at the forefront in the polls.
Noboa did not say whether he would maintain his decision if the ruling party’s candidate, Iván Cepeda, wins.
trade war between Ecuador and Colombia began in January, when Ecuador’s president imposed a so-called security tax on Colombian imports, claiming a lack of control on that side of the border and complaining of a trade deficit of at least $1 billion.
The tariff started at 30 percent, gradually increased to 50 percent, and then reached 100 percent. Just a few days before the latest announcement, Noboa announced that this rate would be reduced to 75% as of June 1.
Rejecting allegations that the common border was being neglected, Petro’s administration responded with reciprocal measures: imposing tariffs of up to 75% on Ecuadorian products and banning energy sales to Ecuador.
The ongoing tensions led to the summoning of ambassadors from both countries.
The Andean Commonwealth found earlier this month that mutual tariffs should be eliminated because they impede free trade and gave both countries a deadline to do so. The group is currently reviewing appeals against the decision.
