The situation in Nicaragua

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

Like the other Member States that have taken the floor before us, the Dominican Republic has followed with great concern the latest events in Nicaragua surrounding the detention, without guarantee of their rights, of pre-candidates for elective office, opposition leaders and social and business leaders, as well as the cancellation of the legal status of the only opposition party available to the National Coalition for taking part in the general elections next November. This constitutes a tangible threat to the holding of a democratic process in that sister country. These actions prevent the conditions necessary for free and fair elections, to which all the Member States of our Organization have committed ourselves under the Inter-American Democratic Charter. If the appropriate corrections are not made, it is evident that the legitimacy of the elections scheduled in Nicaragua for the end of this year is called into question.

We call on the Government of Nicaragua to release those detained immediately and to respect their right to due process, to guarantee their integrity and personal safety, and to restore the guarantees for the full exercise of the civil and political rights of those who aspire to take part in the elections next November. This will contribute to the free expression at the ballot box of the will of the Nicaraguan people in choosing their next leaders.

We urge the Government of Nicaragua to comply with the terms of the resolution adopted by our foreign ministers last October concerning full respect for the constitutional order, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to hold national elections in fulfillment of its commitments and fundamental duties as set out in the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

Our country supports any regional initiative of cooperation or mediation, in adherence to the Charter of the Organization of American States, the Inter-American Democratic Charter, the principles of international law and shared values, aimed at helping our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters achieve a peaceful way out of their present situation. We hope for a peaceful solution to the Nicaraguan crisis through a process that restores trust between the parties and leads to the holding of fair, free and transparent elections that reflect the will of the Nicaraguan people, with guarantees for all the political actors and groups involved, always with the accompaniment of the international community.

Lastly, the Dominican Government will continue to follow this situation, while reiterating its willingness to support any initiative for open and inclusive dialogue with all political and social sectors aimed at achieving a consensual solution negotiated between the parties, one that guarantees respect for institutions, democracy and the human rights of the Nicaraguan people.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.