The Nicaraguan opposition leader Ana Margarita Vijil, released from political prison and exiled to the United States, described the departure from Managua of Washington’s ambassador to the Central American country, Kevin Sullivan, as a simple “diplomatic break”, who informed through an official note, this Tuesday, May 2, that he will return to his country and will leave a charge d’affaires at the head of the North American representation.
“This is a very important difference, a break in the diplomatic relations of both countries due to the decision of the Nicaraguan government not to grant the placet to the ambassador appointed by the United States last year,” said the also former president of the Renewing Democratic Union ( unite).
“I see a logical response from the United States Government to appoint a business manager instead of appointing another ambassador precisely because it has no guarantee that the Nicaraguan Government will accept it,” he added.
Vijil affirmed that Kevin O’Really is a charge d’affaires with extensive knowledge in Latin America and that he may have been very aware of the situation in Nicaragua.
“It does not mean that the United States is paying attention to the very serious situation in Nicaragua; but that it is sending a message to the Government, of a diplomatic breakdown, “Vijil insisted.
“Irresponsible Regime”
For Luciano García, president of the organization Hagamos Democracia, a “deterioration of diplomatic relations” between the United States and Nicaragua is being replicated as in the 1980s, during the first Sandinista dictatorship.
«The effects are for Nicaragua because that calls into question the commercial relations with which they maintain (both countries). It can greatly affect CAFTA, more sanctions for Nicaragua and the isolation of our main trading partner. This was seen in the 80s, the distancing and litigation does not make any sense, it was the one that caused serious problems for the Nicaraguan economy»
«Nothing good is contributing to these types of actions; rather the regime, in an irresponsible way, that they are hitting and is going to hit is the people of Nicaragua. Once again the people of Nicaragua are victims of the irresponsible government, which is dictatorial and reveals its refusal to have cordial and growing relations with a country that really is the economic support of many Nicaraguans,” he added.
Opponents greet and thank Sullivan
Opponents, those released from prison, and Nicaraguan activists spoke in gratitude to the outgoing United States ambassador in Managua, Kevin Sullivan, for his four and a half years in command of US diplomacy in the country.
Sullivan would be the last ambassador of the United States administration designated before the dictatorship of Daniel Ortega y Rosario. The diplomat Hugo Rodríguez was rejected by Nicaragua after the regime had granted him the pleasure.
“Mr. Ambassador @USAmbNicaragua, I want to express my appreciation for your functions, personal dedication working with Nicaraguans and participation in our release to the US. You will have Nicaragua present next to the small gallopintero. Success in your new duties,” student leader Lesther Alemán wrote on Twitter.
Related news: The era of ambassador Kevin Sullivan: The gallopinto, the political crisis and the 222 exiles
“Success in your next mission Ambassador Sullivan. Thank you for the support and work for democracy in #Nicaragua, for your work in the operation of the flight to the freedom of the 222. He takes #Nicaragua with his family, because his son is a pinolero,” added Lucía Pineda Ubau, director from 100% News and released from political prison.
Former presidential candidate Juan Sebastián Chamorro wrote on Twitter: “Thank you very much Ambassador Sullivan for all your work in these difficult years. His role in the “Freedom Flight” was essential, we are very grateful. I wish him the best in his future responsibilities and we will see each other in a free Nicaragua. A big hug to his family ».
The released and exiled politician Sergio Beteta also spoke on his social network account to thank the diplomat for his work in Nicaragua. “All my respect to the management of this gentleman, conversing with animals is difficult,” he said.
The exiled sports chronicler Miguel Mendoza wrote on Twitter: “Thank you for every ambassador, for being close to the victims of the dictatorship. I remember his body language when presenting credentials to the dictating couple. They didn’t make him smile. That day his behavior was as expected ».
