OAS backs resolution blasting abuses from pro-Ortega forces
WASHINGTON — The Organization of American States adopted a resolution Wednesday condemning human rights abuses committed by Nicaraguan police and armed pro-government civilians since massive protests against President Daniel Ortega began in mid-April.
The resolution, adopted 21-3 with seven abstentions, also criticized the harassment of Roman Catholic bishops.
Catholic officials who have been mediating stalled talks on finding a peaceful solution to the standoff and have criticized Ortega’s government over killings have suffered at least three recent attacks.
The resolution by Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and the United States called on Ortega to support an electoral calendar agreed upon during the dialogue process.
Ortega, who has rejected demands for early elections, calls those seeking his exit “coup mongers.”
On Wednesday, Nicaragua foreign minister Denis Moncada blasted the OAS for adopting the resolution, calling it “illegal, illegiti- mate and unfair.”
“We have working institutions, a rule of law, a Constitution,” he said minutes before the vote.
While the OAS held its session, a bipartisan group of 10 U.S. senators introduced legislation that seeks to impose sanctions on Nicaraguan government officials responsible for protester deaths, human rights violations and acts of corruption.
The government says more than 200 people have been killed since the unrest began, but independent rights groups say the number is higher.