Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2021
282. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the state of relations between Ireland and Nicaragua; if there are issues of concern to Ireland in respect of the political situation in Nicaragua; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58969/21]
View answerThe current situation in Nicaragua is of great concern to Ireland and to the European Union.
Elections took place in Nicaragua on 7 November last. Ireland and the EU had stated on numerous occasions that these elections were going to be neither free nor fair, and that proved to be the case. No credible opposition figures were allowed to run, and no election monitoring was permitted.
In the months leading up to the elections, we had seen a severe crackdown on journalists, opposition politicians, human rights activists, civil society and business leaders in Nicaragua. This repression deprived Nicaraguan citizens of their human, civil and political rights, and of the right to elect their own government in fair and transparent elections.
Ireland and the EU have expressed our serious concern in relation to the situation in Nicaragua, have unequivocally condemned the actions of the Nicaraguan authorities, and have repeatedly called for the immediate and unconditional release of all opposition politicians and all other political prisoners. We have also called for the authorities to allow the return of international human rights bodies and NGOs to the country.
We will continue to put pressure on the Nicaraguan authorities to put an end to the crackdown and to restore full respect for human rights and democracy in the country.
Just like multiple other countries and multilateral bodies, the EU released a very strong statement on 8 November condemning the elections and stating that the presidency of Daniel Ortega lacks democratic legitimacy. The Nicaraguan government was left in no doubt that its actions are unacceptable to all EU Member States, including Ireland. That statement also noted that the EU will consider further restrictive measures against the regime.
The next steps in terms of EU action on Nicaragua are currently being discussed among EU Member States in Brussels. The EU and Ireland have also been very clear that any further action must not add to the hardship of the population, and that the most vulnerable sectors of society must continue to be supported.
My Department will continue to closely engage at EU and international level, both through our Embassy in Mexico which covers relations with Nicaragua and through our partners on the ground, including NGO and civil society organisations, to find a solution to the crisis.
