“These hostile and unwarranted actions will not only affect bilateral relations between Nicaragua and the EU and its member states, but will also lead to greater international isolation of Nicaragua. In this context, the EU is studying the way forward, so determined and proportionate,” The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, said in a statement.
Nicaragua announced Friday evening that it had severed diplomatic relations with the Netherlands, which had cut funding for the construction of a hospital due to “serious human rights violations” in the country, and declared EU ambassador Betina Muscheidt “persona non grata”.
“The break in diplomatic relations is an exceptional and very unusual measure. This is not what the Netherlands wants,” the Dutch government responded.
The Netherlands said it had sent several warnings to Nicaragua about the “deteriorating democracy and human rights situation”, which Managua ignored.
Bettina Muscheidt flew to France via Mexico City on Saturday after Nicaragua’s decision.
“The EU deeply regrets and rejects this unilateral and unjustified decision,” Borrell said in the statement.
“The EU also deeply regrets the disproportionate and unjustified unilateral decision taken by the government of Nicaragua on Friday to sever diplomatic relations with the Netherlands and express its unwavering support for the Dutch government,” added the head of European diplomacy. .
“The current political crisis in Nicaragua must be resolved through genuine dialogue between the government and the opposition,” Borrell insisted, ensuring the EU remains open to dialogue.
Nicaragua’s president, Daniel Ortega, was reelected to a fourth consecutive term in November 2021, in an election in which all of his potential strong opponents were absent, having been arrested or forced into exile.
The international community condemned the conduct of his regime and the EU and the United States imposed several sanctions on Nicaragua and those close to Ortega for alleged human rights violations.
Source: DN
