The closures come amid wider pressures on the country's independent media, with many journalists going into exile, citing risk of legal action and raids. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Nicaraguas National Assembly, where the Sandinistas have a decisive majority, on Tuesday authorized the entry of Russian troops, navy ships and aircraft at the urgent request of President Daniel Ortega to participate in anti-crime operations off the countrys Caribbean and Pacific coasts. WebThe Black Sea Grain Initiative has helped by allowing 24 million metric tons of grain to leave Ukrainian ports, with 55% of the shipments heading going to developing nations, the Browse an unrivalled portfolio of real-time and historical market data and insights from worldwide sources and experts. She noted the law also authorizes troops from the United States, Mexico and other Central American countries for such purposes. Service members take part in a military parade on Victory Day, which marks the 77th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, in the Chechen capital Grozny, Russia May 9, 2022. Costa Rica President Rodrigo Chaves expressed his apprehension to a US media outlet at the Summit of the Americas. These false statements around the Russian invasion of Ukraine reveal the sinister objectives of Russias relationship with Nicaragua more than anything, and they are not mere rhetoric. Nicaragua also said it will allow the presence of forces naval and air vessels of Venezuela, Honduras, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico, El Salvador and the United States. In 2022, Hikvision was sanctioned by Washington, London, and other Western governments for complicity in AI-driven surveillance of Uyghurs in Chinas Xinjiang region. Nicaragua scores poorly on the World Press Freedom Index, ranking 160 out of 180 countries, where 1 has the best media environment. MANAGUA, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega became one of the first world leaders to back Russia's stance over Ukraine on Monday, saying President Vladimir Putin was right to recognise two regions controlled by Moscow-backed separatists as independent. Observers speculate that this new closeness may revive construction of the long-delayed Nicaraguan Canal across the Central American isthmusa possible Panama Canal rival proposed by Ortega in 2013. With Russian Support, Nicaragua Smothers Dissent. Authorities took over their premises after the directors left Nicaragua. The U.S. will need to act, beyond mere words. Hikvision is a subsidiary of state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, founded with the express purpose of leveraging civilian electronics to advance the interests of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army. Russias renewed relationship began with Ortegas return to power in 2007 and Nicaraguas diplomatic recognition of the breakaway republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in the wake of the 2008 Georgian war. The European Commission cited concerns over state media "supporting the aggression in Ukraine. It is to avoid being questioned., Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights. Nicaragua formally withdrew from the Organization of American States in 2022, concluding a process that had begun a few years earlier. In 2014, Ortega again supported Russia when it occupied Crimea, and was widely mocked on social media for establishing a consulate in Crimea when Nicaragua had absolutely no interests in the region. Ortega has been a staunch ally of Russia since his days in the leadership of the 1979 revolution that ousted dictator Anastasio Somoza. With Russian Support, Nicaragua Smothers Dissent. The default username below has been generated using the first name and last initial on your FP subscriber account. I believe that Russian troops will be used for intelligence purposes, to gather intelligence in the region, John Feeley, former U.S. ambassador to Panama, told Nicaraguan TV show Esta Semana. We are talking about a routine twice a year procedure for the adoption of a Nicaraguan law on the temporary admission of foreign military personnel to its territory in order to develop cooperation in various areas, including humanitarian and emergency responses, combatting organized crime and drug trafficking, Zakharova said. The three Central American countries voted differently on a March 2 resolution demanding Russia immediately withdraw all military forces from Ukraine. Nicaraguas alignment with Russia coincides with the restoration of diplomatic relations between Managua and Beijing after a 20-year hiatus. Since President Daniel Ortega took office in 2007, Nicaragua has developed a close relationship with Russia, though ties are primarily political. It is buttressed by a systematic crackdown that includes the key tool of the 21st century autocrat: Restrictions and surveillance of digital communications. Historically, Nicaragua has been very skilful at managing its diplomatic actions, although it may not always be apparent, Murillo told Al Jazeera. The extent to which the government has the capacity to block sites, apps, or users is less clear. Weekly update on developments in India and its neighbors. read more. Major brands in the export division of Russian media include RT, the RIA Novosti news agency, Sputnik and the Voice of Russia radio station. Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the worlds largest multimedia news provider, reaching billions of people worldwide every day. 2014, Putin visited Cuba, Argentina, Brazil and Nicaragua, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu traveled to Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, 90 percent ofNicaraguan arms importssince 2000, TikTok tit-for-tat: US may finally reciprocate Chinas internet protectionism, Israel reminds us of the perils of Ugly American meddling abroad, How Congress can compel global divestment from Chinas forced labor, Kari Lake, Doug Mastriano amplify GOP anxiety over pro-Trump candidates in 2024, Only two large US cities are affordable for new home buyers, Trump attorney says there wont be a standoff at Mar-a-Lago if hes indicted in NY. Countries that do not want to register any stance either fail to attend or withdraw before a vote. The contract between the Communication and Citizenry Council of Nicaragua, the country's state media conglomerate, and the Sputnik radio network will make Russian content available to more than 20 Nicaraguan state channels, broadcasting to 6.6 million people. Russia has gone from one mobilization to the next, burning through equipment and ammunition faster than it can replace iteven resorting to the recruitment of prisoners to fight its drawn-Show moreout war in Ukraine. And in 2016, Moscow started delivering tanks, anti-aircraft defense systems, helicopters, and armored vehicles ordered by Ortega. Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega delivers a speech during a ceremony to mark the 199th Independence Day anniversary, in Managua, Nicaragua September 15, 2020. The contract, he said, will ensure "Moscow advances in its ties with the autocrats of the region.". At the event, Ortega Murillo expressed gratitude to Beijing for the cooperation with state media. Legal Statement. More ways to stay updated on global news: By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. The decree applies to troops and military equipment from Russia as well as the U.S. and seven Latin American countries to enter the country and participate in "an exchange of experience, training exercises and humanitarian aid operations.". Arm sales not only generate income for Russia but also replace U.S. suppliers. One of the deliberate effects of high levels of surveillance is greater self-censorship, even as large numbers of users are flocking to encrypted messaging platforms such as Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp. Please follow our comment guidelines, stay on topic, and be civil, courteous, and respectful of others beliefs. Caroline C. Cowen is an international consultant and specialist that has worked on topics relating to development, defense, and democracy with the Inter-American Dialogue, Duco and Freedom House. watchdog ranks Russia 155 out of 180 countries. Last month, Nicaragua's media regulator revoked the licenses of more than 25 media outlets, including local TV and radio stations. Nicaragua Cuts Deal With Kremlin Station Sputnik to Air Content. Moscow sent weapons to the Sandinista government as it fought to suppress the U.S.-backed Contras. The United States said Nicaragua's last election, in November, was rigged in Ortega's favour, and has imposed sanctions on Nicaraguan officials. Join FPs Ravi Agrawal for a discussion with James Stavridis, a retired four-star U.S. Navy admiral and NATO supreme allied commander. The former Marxist guerrilla, who has led Nicaragua since 2007 after having first come to power in 1979, defended Putin's move to recognize the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk during a speech in Managua. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. Delivered Wednesday. The United States has strongly opposed these deals and made little secret of its intention to ramp up diplomatic and economic pressureakin to measures against Cuba and Venezuelashould Washington find that hemispheric security is breached. Russian state television anchor Olga Skabeeva gave extensive coverage to Ortegas initiative and said, Its time for Russia to flex its muscles near some US cities. TASS, a Russian state-owned news agency also widely disseminated news of the military agreement with Nicaragua, while Sputnik, another Russian state-owned news agency headlined a recent report: Nicaragua: military cooperation with Russia will strengthen national security. The Kremlin later tried to tone down the rhetoric and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova dismissed the collaboration with Nicaragua as a routine operation., Cajina said that the presence of foreign military personnel in Nicaragua is a normal part of a military exchange effort focused on training and support for humanitarian aid and the fight against organized crime. As authoritarianism deepens in Nicaragua, the elephantor bearin the room is Moscows creeping influence in Central America. "Despite U.S. and international sanctions, Ortega continues to hail his rule as an outcome of democratic representationtorturing and jailing anyone who dares stands in his path," Leon said. His government has shut down dozens of nongovernmental groups that he accuses of working on behalf of foreign interests to destabilize his government. In fact, Russias use of Nicaraguan territory as a site for intelligence gathering in the Americas at large constitutes a threat to the Inter-American system and the U.S. In 2013, both countries signed an agreement for Russia to modernize Nicaraguas military. Former Nicaraguan Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS) Arturo McFields, who resigned from his position in March after criticizing the Ortega-Murillo regime, agreed. This years meeting is the first since the end of zero-COVID restrictions; itsalso an opportunity to get an inside look into the Chineseleaderships fears and priorities. Among those targeted were high-profile journalists, human rights advocates, the auxiliary bishop of the capital city Managua, and even celebrated authors Giocanda Belli and Sergio Rodriguez. Dozens of political opposition leaders have been arrested, including most of the potential presidential candidates, in the months before Ortegas re-election to a fourth consecutive term last year. Exiled Nicaraguans hold a protest vigil against the government of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega in San Jose, Costa Rica, on April 19, 2022. Even before the governments imposition of cyber restrictions, most Nicaraguan journalists, academics, and citizens tended to practice self-censorship on social media and in their email exchanges. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Nor does Moscows criticism of US sanctions against Nicaragua carry any weight. But Daniel Ortega doggedly continues to stoke the flames of discord with the United States. The Russians in Nicaragua, with conventional and technological military capabilities, are a danger to the region. RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) Brazils new President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva has so far shown little concern about defying consensus in the West on foreign policy -- even when it comes to dealing with authoritarian governments. Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvadors vote changes this year reflect relations with world superpowers, analysts say. Nicaraguas President Daniel Ortega and the first lady, Rosario Murillo, visit Moscow in December 2008. Essential analysis of the stories shaping geopolitics on the continent. The invitation of outside armies, especially one that has invaded another country, that is something that should be of concern to everybody.. The bank held $5.4 billion in exposure to Russian assets at the end of December, according to a regulatory filing on Monday. Nicaraguas Sandinista-controlled congress has cancelled nearly 200 nongovernmental organizations this last week of May 2022, ranging from a local However the contest plays out this time, the fallout promises to be globalon land, at sea, in the air, and in cyberspace. Legal Statement. ", Christopher Mendoza, director of Independent Journalists and Communicators of Nicaragua (PCIN), described the Sputnik agreement as an effort "to silence critical news so they can say what they want through their own media based on propaganda by the regime.". Mejore su francs con solo 15 minutos al da. Practically nothing, said Roberto Cajina. In addition to issuing sanctions on key Nicaraguan authorities, the U.S. government is also keeping an eye on Bolivian, Cuban, Mexican, and Venezuelan forces already stationed in Nicaragua. What are its chances of success in a forthcoming offensive? The U.S. will need to act, beyond mere words. Even if Moscow holds onto territory, the war has wrecked its future. In fact, the recent decree authorizes the presence of Cuban, Mexican, Venezuelan, and Bolivian military forces in Nicaragua. Ortega's administration has previously refuted claims of targeting opposition parties and media, instead saying it is protecting the country from media backed by foreign interests, mainly the United States. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Nicaraguas state-owned gold mining company and the president of its board of directors partly over the Central American Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan has formed a committee to lead his party if he is arrested, he told Reuters hours before an appearance before a court that had issued arrest warrants for him. As China expands its reach in Central America, its media described Nicaraguas rejection of Taiwan a powerful rebuff to the U.S. administrations chess game with China., Chinas growing influence in Nicaragua is not just political and economic; it is also digital. The assault on Nicaraguan civil society reaches far beyond political opponents, journalists, aid workers, and community leaders. A recent report highlights a surveillance system deployed in Nicaragua with support from Russian intelligence and secret police. The government of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has authorized Russian troops, planes and ships to deploy to Nicaragua for purposes of training, law enforcement or emergency response. His arrests of opposition candidates could seal the countrys political fate, but not if Biden fights back now. International groups, including media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF), have denounced the pressure on Russian media. All this helps explain why Freedom House describes the country as not free and dropped Nicaraguas score this year from 30 to 23 (out of 100). During an event in Russia to mark the signing on September 5, Daniel Edmundo Ortega Murillo, the council's media coordinator, said the exchange of content will "bring the people of the two countries closer together for mutual understanding. Delivered Monday-Saturday. The 80 tanks that it acquired are perfectly suited for armed entry into any of the capitals of Central America, former opposition lawmaker, lawyer, and political analyst Eliseo Nez told Dilogo. Earlier this year, however, Honduras took a clear side against Russia in UN votes. Although the backbone of the countrys internet is still dominated by U.S.-based Cisco, there is a growing presence of Huawei routers in the country. Nicaragua has consistently been outspoken in its support for Russia and its voting record at the UN usually reflects that. The deal comes as more of Nicaragua's independent media are forced to shutter. It also invites 80 Russian military advisors to join an in-country exercise with the Nicaraguan Armys Special Operations Command to exchange experiences and conduct training in humanitarian aid operations. The United Nations described the measures as in contravention of international and regional human rights law, and more than 50 countries roundly condemned the action. Worst case scenario: Moscow may view gains in Nicaragua as payback for U.S. and European interferencein Ukraine. The Nicaraguan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) signed a roadmap for the peaceful use of nuclear energy during the 12th International Atomexpo Forum, an event of the world nuclear industry held in the Russian city of Sochi, Nicaraguan daily La Prensa reported. Nicaraguan stations regularly incorporate or mirror Russian state TV content from operations including RT Spanish in their broadcasts. Keep up with the world without stopping yours. Ortegas apparent diplomatic strategy is to use such initiatives to alleviate his countrys economic pain caused by international isolation and sanctions. His government has shut down dozens of non-governmental groups that he accuses of working on behalf of foreign interests to destabilise his government. Unlike [U.S.] Southern Command that brings humanitarian aid, hospital ships, medicines, surgeries, and free quality services to those who need them most, Russian cooperation promotes espionage, collective repression techniques, torture, armored tanks, [and] not so secret bases, McFields said via Twitter. FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin, 2nd left, walks with Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, right, at the Augusto C. Sandino Airport in Managua, July 11, 2014, in this handout photo distributed by the Presidencia de Nicaragua. out war in Ukraine. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has overseen the deepening of security ties with Managua, including the construction of a supposed Russian satellite-tracking facility In 2016, Russia officially announced that it was sending Nicaragua an initial shipment of 20 T-72B tanks worth US$80 million. Nicaragua bought offensive as opposed to defensive armament from the Russians. Currently, Nicaragua and Russia are strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially on economic and military issues. Nicaragua allowed Russian naval exercises to take place in its territorial waters later in 2008, and, in 2015, the Nicaraguan parliament voted to allow Russian warships to dock in Nicaraguan ports. Nicaragua is Russias most steadfast political and military partner in the region. Alarm bells have already sounded throughout Central America. What are its chances of success in a forthcoming offensive? 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