US Calls Nicaragua’s Decision to Leave Organization of American States a ‘Step Away From Democracy’

US Calls Nicaragua’s Decision to Leave Organization of American States a ‘Step Away From Democracy’
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, right, shakes hands with Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega during a photo opportunity at the G77+China summit in Havana, Cuba, on Sept. 15, 2023. Ramon Espinosa/AP Photo
The Associated Press
Updated:
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MEXICO CITY—The U.S. State Department called Nicaragua’s formal withdrawal from the Organization of American States on Sunday “another step away from democracy.”

The regional body, known by its initials OAS, has long criticized rights violations under Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. Ortega, who governs alongside his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, has rejected those criticisms and started the two-year process to leave the OAS in November 2021.