News item | 01-10-2022 | 17:00
Nicaragua has unilaterally terminated its diplomatic relationship with the Netherlands. The immediate reason for this is the decision by the Netherlands to definitively end the Dutch contribution to the Nicaraguan authorities for the construction of a hospital in Nicaragua, after it had been available for several years. on hold was standing. The severing of diplomatic ties is an exceptional step and highly unusual. Nor is it the wish of the Netherlands.
human rights
The hospital project has been in place since 2018 on hold because of the deteriorating situation in terms of democracy and human rights. Under the current circumstances it has been decided to terminate the project permanently.
The Netherlands has indicated several times that such a decision could follow if the situation did not improve. The severing of diplomatic ties is an exceptional step and highly unusual. Nor is it the wish of the Netherlands to emphasize the importance of dialogue, even on difficult subjects.
Position Netherlands
It is regrettable that Nicaragua has chosen to respond in this disproportionate way to a critical message about democracy and human rights. The Netherlands has a very clear position on the breakdown of democratic structures and human rights violations in Nicaragua, but is always prepared to discuss this. Ambassador Pirenne has done that again this week.
Nicaragua’s decision to sever diplomatic relations is not an isolated one. Earlier this week, the ambassador of the European Union was declared persona non-grata. The nuncio in Nicaragua was also previously declared persona non-grata, and the newly appointed ambassador to the United States was denied entry to the country. This response from Nicaragua can therefore be placed in the light of the current EU position and sanctions.
The Netherlands is discussing with other European countries how they will respond to this move by Nicaragua. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also keeps an eye on the approximately one hundred Dutch people living in Nicaragua. If necessary, the travel advice for Nicaragua will also be adjusted.