Russia’s foreign minister meets with Nicaraguan president, highlights good relations

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived Wednesday in Nicaragua, where he held talks with President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo.

Ortega and Lavrov slammed the latest sanctions imposed by the US.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced sanctions Wednesday against three Nicaraguan judges for stripping hundreds of activists and political dissidents of their nationality.

Ortega said sanctions imposed by the US against government officials no longer worry them.

“The United States sanctioned three judges because they have applied justice against terrorists. We already have hundreds of officials under sanctions...This doesn’t cause them any concern or fear anymore,” he said.

Lavrov said people who are under sanctions in Russia see it is a “recognition” of their progress in protecting the interests of the country.

He added that it is a great advance that the Nicaraguan people have been able to protect their right to decide independently.

The Ortega government has been criticized by human rights groups for using the judiciary to target political opponents after the government sent them into exile. Lawmakers then voted to revoke their citizenship

Russia is looking to strengthen political and economic ties with its main allies in Latin America, some of which have also been hit by severe US sanctions.

After visiting Brazil, Venezuela and Nicaragua, Lavrov will head to Cuba.