The political and humanitarian crisis in Nicaragua was the focus of the meeting between President Carlos Alvarado and the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Antonio Guterres. They both agreed it was an urgent matter that the regime of Daniel Ortega stops violence and against civil society and that dialogue be reactivated.
Guterres, who was on an official visit to the country since last Saturday, played down the criticism against him and the body he represents in several sectors that suggest more forceful measures. The secretary general only offered the UN as a mediator, but did not refer to the possibility of an intervention, as was requested in the morning hours of Monday by seven former Costa Rican presidents.
It is absolutely essential that the violence stops immediately and that the national dialogue be revitalized to find an inclusive solution. From the United Nations we are willing to help the Nicaraguan government and serve as a mediator in this process,”
said Guterres.
He added that
it is a primary responsibility of the states to guarantee the protection of citizens”
and that both numbers near 360 dead and the lethal use of force by entities linked to the State are unacceptable.
During the bilateral meeting between Alvarado and Guterres, the president asked the UN hierarch for his support for Costa Rica’s plans to become the first country to decarbonize its economy.
Alvarado invited Guterres to participate at the signing of the Escazú Agreement on Environmental Democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean, organized by Chile and Costa Rica for September 27th. This event will take place during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly.
On Monday morning, the Minister of Planning and Economic Policy, Pilar Garrido, announced that
the 2030 Agenda will be the backbone of the National Development and Public Investment Plan 2019-2022.”