High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas once again condemned on Saturday 25 July the systematic repression carried out by the Nicaraguan authorities.
In a statement on behalf of the EU, Ms Kallas called for a dialogue between the regime and the opposition, “in particular to agree on electoral reforms with a view to support a democratic, peaceful and negotiated solution to the ongoing political crisis”.
While Nicaraguan leader Daniel Ortega has announced his intention to exclude the opposition from the general elections scheduled for 2027, and a constitutional reform aimed at excluding the opposition from the elections is expected to be voted on in September, the EU has called on the authorities “to conduct elections and ensure that these take place as initially planned and are held in a transparent, inclusive and credible manner, in line with international standards”.
The High Representative also reiterated the Union’s call for the release of all political prisoners, the full restoration of the Rule of law and the return of international human rights organisations.
“The European Union will continue to support the people of Nicaragua in their legitimate aspiration for democracy, respect for human rights and the Rule of law”, Ms Kallas stated, specifying that the EU remained open to political dialogue with Nicaragua “through the appropriate diplomatic channels, conducted in a respectful manner and in cooperation with regional actors”. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)