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A Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson on the continuing violence in Nicaragua
Commenting on the continuing clashes between demonstrators, government supporters and members of the security forces in Nicaragua, during which representatives of the Catholic Church were attacked yesterday, a Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson today (10 July) issued the following statement:
The German Government condemns in the strongest possible terms the attack on members of the Catholic Church in Nicaragua who are mediating as part of the national dialogue and working to bring the violence to an end. The Government and security forces have a duty to ensure the population’s safety.
We urgently appeal to all parties to seek a peaceful solution to the crisis for the good of the country and to resolutely continue the National Dialogue process.
Our sympathy goes out to the families and friends of, so far, more than 300 casualties. We wish the many injured a full and speedy recovery. The circumstances surrounding the deaths must be investigated quickly and thoroughly and those responsible held to account.
Within the European Union and in cooperation with the Organization of American States, the German Government will seek an inquiry into the violence and a political solution to the crisis.
Background information:
Since the start of what were at first peaceful protests against reform of the social security system, over 300 people have been killed and more than 2000 injured in recurring violent clashes in Nicaragua. The Catholic Church-mediated National Dialogue process, which aims to resolve the crisis, has been repeatedly interrupted by the continuing violence. On 9 July, members of the Catholic Church, including Bishop Báez, were injured in an attack on a basilica in Diriamba.