Russia Slams US Calls for Non-Recognition of Nicaraguan Elections
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticizes US calls for rejecting the results of the Nicaraguan general elections, calling them "inadmissible".
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Russian FM Sergey Lavrov prepares to leave a joint news conference with Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Maliki following their talks in Moscow, Russia, on May 5, 2021 (AP)
Russia slammed today US calls for the non-recognition of the results of the general elections in Nicaragua. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described such calls as "inadmissible".
"Yesterday in the evening, when the voting was over, the White House declared its refusal to recognize the election and called on other countries to do the same. We consider it inadmissible and strongly condemn such a policy," Lavrov said in a news conference on Monday.
"We sent observers," the Minister said, "They said the elections were well-organized and were held in strict compliance with Nicaraguan laws."
Lavrov underscored that according to the Constitution of Nicaragua, sovereignty is vested in the people, "and only the Nicaraguan people have the right to decide the legitimacy of the electoral process in their own country."
The Russian FM's words came during a joint press conference with his Venezuelan counterpart Felix Plasencia.
The Venezuelan FM called on Latin American countries to resist Washington's meddling. "Are we really supposed to reject a peaceful, stable electoral process, a constructive process that resulted in the recognition of a government that is committed to providing progress, happiness, and prosperity to its people?" he wondered.
Plasencia asserted that Latin America should not "kowtow to Wahington." He asserted that they must reject the US policy of meddling in the internal affairs of the Latin American region, calling on them to oppose any implementation of the US scheme, which is used constantly around the world to no avail.
Lavrov affirmed to his Venezuelan counterpart that Moscow would keep providing support for Caracas, "which is an allied country of Russia."
The Russian Foreign Minister also denounced "external pressures" and "resorting to unilateral and illegal sanctions," as well as "attempting to directly interfere in the affairs of Caracas."
The United States, the EU, and Spain rejected the Sunday elections in Nicaragua, which saw President Daniel Ortega being re-elected with 75% of the votes.
United States President Joe Biden criticized Monday the elections, calling them "Nicaragua's sham elections."
"What Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, orchestrated today was a pantomime election that was neither free nor fair, and most certainly not democratic," he said in a White House statement.
Al Mayadeen Espanol Director said Nicaragua is a target of the United States, as it is rich in water resources, and Washington needs Nicaragua's riches to confront its opponents.
