SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s government kicked out Nicaragua’s ambassador Thursday in retaliation for a similar move by the Central American country’s President Daniel Ortega. In addition, the Brazil Nicaragua rift has broader implications for regional stability. #BrazilNicaraguaRift
Brazil’s foreign ministry decided to expel Nicaraguan Ambassador Fulvia Patricia Castro Matu, applying the principle of reciprocity. This decision follows Nicaragua’s earlier action against Brazil’s ambassador in Managua. According to the statement, Brazil’s Ambassador Breno da Costa has already departed the country.
Nicaragua’s government stated that both the Nicaraguan and Brazilian ambassadors have left their positions. However, they did not specify if the departures were due to expulsion or provide further details.
A rift between Ortega and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, two former allies, has grown over the last year.
Two diplomatic sources in Brasilia told the AP that Nicaragua’s government protested two weeks ago over da Costa’s absence from celebrations of the 45th anniversary of Nicaragua’s Sandinista revolution, opening the way to expel him.
Ortega, whose critics see him as an authoritarian leader, was a guerrilla fighter in that movement.
The sources, who spoke under condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the matter publicly, added that the Brazilian ambassador was following orders from the foreign ministry.
The foreign ministry hadn’t previously confirmed local media reports of the Brazilian ambassador’s expulsion.
Lula, who previously supported Ortega’s presidency, steered away from Ortega after the Nicaraguan leader ignored a request from Pope Francis to stop repression against Catholic clergymen in the Central American nation. #BrazilNicaraguaRift
Furthermore, resolving the Brazil Nicaragua rift will require significant diplomatic efforts. Both countries must engage in open dialogue to address their grievances.
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