In light of Nicaragua’s withdrawal from the OAS and international concern over attempts to prevent the inauguration of Bernardo Arévalo as President of Guatemala, the United States reiterated the importance of political and diplomatic pressure to pursue democratic measures in both countries.
Amid “serious concerns” in the Organization of American States (OAS) about the political situation in Guatemala and opposition to Nicaragua’s withdrawal from the organization, the US government official urged both countries “not to underestimate” the situation. Power of international pressure.
Francisco Mora, U.S. ambassador to the OAS, said in a phone call with the media on Monday in connection with Nicaragua’s secession that measures such as precautionary measures, calls for attention and notices of human rights violations were a “type of pressure.” politically and diplomatically, that should not be underestimated.”
“I think this is having an impact on Nicaragua… I think the regime is feeling it,” Mora said.
Although he accepted that Nicaragua has refused to abide by the OAS’s decisions, such as continuing resolutions, “we cannot ignore that this type of pressure works and contributes to the isolation of Nicaragua, which really affects Nicaragua.” “To fail to do so is to abandon the Nicaraguan people.”
Also read: Nicaragua leaves the OAS; The US will maintain pressure on Ortega and is not ruling out future sanctions
This is despite the fact that the OAS “does not have the tools to exert more economic pressure on Nicaragua.”
On Sunday, November 19, Nicaragua ceased to be part of the OAS after rejecting the Democratic Charter for two years. Denis Moncada, Nicaragua’s foreign minister, said Monday: “Nicaragua no longer has a relationship, we are no longer a member of this notorious organization called the OAS.”
Additional pressure for Guatemala
Mora additionally pointed to apparent attempts by officials in Guatemala to do so prevent Bernardo Arévalo from taking over the presidency in the country. Last Wednesday, the OAS adopted a resolution expressing “serious concern” about the political situation.
“In Guatemala the process is working, it is moving forward, there are setbacks but we continue to move forward and the whole expectation is that this is partly due to the efforts of the Guatemalan people, but on the side of the OAS Mr. Arévalo arrives on the 14th. “We came to power on January 1, and I believe that this is due in large part to the efforts of the OAS, we should not underestimate this reality,” the ambassador said.
Read also: Guatemalan prosecutors ask to lift the immunity of President-elect Bernardo Arévalo
The only country to vote against the resolution was Guatemala, while 20 other OAS members voted in favor of the document.
Mora explained that the OAS currently has two missions “trying to mediate in Guatemala” and “trying to support the transition to the new government.”
“We cannot fail, we cannot fail in Guatemala, not only because of the situation in Guatemala, but also because of the credibility, legitimacy, effort and work of the OAS,” the ambassador concluded.
Connect with the voice of America! Subscribe to our channels Youtube, Whatsapp and to Newsletter. Turn on notifications and follow us Facebook, X And Instagram