US 'extremely concerned' over Nicaragua, China, Russia relations
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The United States, in light of strained relations with Nicaragua, has expressed deep concerns over the trilateral cooperation between Nicaragua, China, and Russia.
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Eric Jacobstein during a Zoom call on February 21, 2024 (Screengrab)
The cooperation between Nicaragua, China, and Russia has been deemed "extremely concerning" by the United States, according to Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Eric Jacobstein.
"This is extremely concerning, the collaboration between [Nicaragua] and Russia and PRC [People's Republic of China]," Jacobstein said on Thursday, adding that the trilateral relations remain a concern for Washington.
In June, Nicaraguan investment adviser Laureano Ortega announced that Nicaragua aims to join the BRICS collective, and is in discussions with BRICS member countries regarding potential membership.
Moreover, the director of the Latin America Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Alexander Shchetinin, relayed to Sputnik back in June that de-dollarization is being discussed in trade between Russia and several Latin American countries, including Nicaragua.
On Thursday, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that the United States had facilitated the release of 135 individuals considered political prisoners in Nicaragua on humanitarian grounds.
Jacobstein noted that these individuals are currently in Guatemala and have the option to decide their next destination, including the possibility of relocating to the United States.
Nicaragua shutters US Chamber of Commerce, 150 other organizations
This came after Nicaragua's government closed another 151 nongovernmental organizations on Thursday, including some of the most important trade organizations, such as the American Chamber of Commerce, just days after closing approximately 1,500 nongovernmental organizations, many of which were religious in nature.
The Interior Ministry also revoked the legal registration of the umbrella association representing European chambers of business in Nicaragua.
The Nicaraguan government justified its decision by citing the organization's failure to properly submit financial statements.
The US Chamber, known locally as AMCHAM, has been in Nicaragua for 47 years. The United States condemned what it described as the "unjust" closures Thursday, according to a tweet by the State Department's assistant secretary for Western Hemisphere affairs, Brian Nichols.
The relationship between the United States and Nicaragua has been tense for years, yet business has persisted.
Read more: Nicaragua urges 4 Western nations to end complicity in Gaza genocide
