The situation in Nicaragua

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. We are grateful for the presentations made by the Secretary General, Mr. Luis Almagro, and by Commissioner Antonia Urrejola Noguera, President of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and Rapporteur for Nicaragua.

Our Delegation wishes to reiterate its concern over “The Situation in Nicaragua” and values any effort made toward the holding of free and fair elections in that sister country as an expression of the sovereignty of the Nicaraguan people. In that regard, we encourage a deepening of the efforts being made by various actors to contribute to a process of dialogue in which balance and respect for fundamental freedoms and democratic principles prevail, for which the participation of the government, of the different political actors and of Nicaraguan civil society is imperative.

The situation must be resolved by Nicaraguans and as Nicaraguans determine, within the framework of compliance with the international norms and obligations that flow from their country's participation in the community of nations. Both the Charter of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Inter-American Democratic Charter play a role of the first order in that regard, not only for Nicaragua but for each one of us.

We reiterate the call for the authorities to adhere to the terms of the international commitments they have undertaken on full respect for the constitutional order, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The holding of free and fair national, presidential and legislative elections, the deployment of an effective Electoral Observation Mission (EOM), and the adoption of electoral reform measures in line with international standards for a process that is clear, free, independent and universal: all of this helps to build confidence among the Nicaraguan people and the international community, in pursuit of the strengthening of the country's constitutional and democratic order and of peace and security in that nation.

Finally, the Dominican Republic will continue to follow this situation, while reiterating its spirit of cooperation and mediation in adherence to the OAS Charter, the Inter-American Democratic Charter and the principles and values shared by all.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair.