After Iran, US Turns Its Attention to Nicaragua

Washington is urging the world to cut ties with Nicaragua after the country’s legislature voted unanimously to prevent an opposition party from taking part in elections.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the legislature, controlled by the government of Daniel Ortega and his wife, Co-President Rosario Murillo, had further eroded what remained of democracy by amending the constitution to strengthen what he called their illegitimate dynasty. He said the move denied Nicaraguans the right to free and fair elections.

“A dictatorship that denies the rights of its people should not enjoy the same economic or political benefits as governments committed to defending peace and security in the hemisphere,” Rubio said. “The United States urges international partners to immediately stop business as usual with this brutal dictatorship.”

“

A dictatorship that denies the rights of its people should not enjoy the same economic or political benefits as governments committed to defending peace and security in the hemisphere.

The ban passed during a special session held outside the Central American country’s legislative building and is expected to receive formal confirmation next year. The vote places Nicaragua in line for possible US sanctions, following Iran’s experience under broad economic pressure.

Washington launched a new sanctions campaign against Iran earlier this week, seeking to isolate its economy and restrict Tehran’s sources of revenue as a military conflict between the two countries continues.

“

The United States urges international partners to immediately stop business as usual with this brutal dictatorship.