BFF-75 W.House says Ortegas ‘responsible’ for Nicaragua violence

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W.House says Ortegas ‘responsible’ for Nicaragua violence

WASHINGTON, July 30, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – The White House on Monday said that
responsibility for deadly political violence that has destabilized Nicaragua
lies with President Daniel Ortega and his wife.

In a statement, the US government said it “strongly condemns the ongoing
violence in Nicaragua and human rights abuses committed by the Ortega regime”
in response to political protests.

More than 300 people have been killed and 2,000 wounded in more than
three months of unrest against Daniel Ortega’s administration.

Pro-government paramilitaries have targeted those demanding Ortega and
his powerful vice president, wife Rosario Murillo Zambrana, resign. Doctors
have been attacked for treating the wounded.

“President Ortega and Vice President Murillo are ultimately responsible
for the pro-government parapolice that have brutalized their own people,” the
White House said.

The US has hit top officials with sanctions, tightened visa restrictions
and backed church-led efforts to secure peace.

Ortega, aged 72, is a long-time bete noir of the US government. He headed
a left-wing Sandanista government during the Cold War, and returned to power
in 2007.

“The United States stands with the people of Nicaragua, including members
of the Sandinista party, who are calling for democratic reforms and an end to
the violence,” said the White House.

BSS/AFP/RY/2142 hrs