By Caribbean News Global 
WASHINGTON, USA – The Ortega-Murillo regime has announced it has severed diplomatic relations and ended official contact with Taiwan, but the sham election on November 7 did not provide it with any mandate to remove Nicaragua from the family of American democracies, US Department of State said in a press release.
The decision to terminate diplomatic relations ends Taiwan’s bilateral cooperation, assistance programs, and commence the evacuation of the embassy and technical personnel.
“Without the mandate that comes with a free and fair election, Ortega’s actions cannot reflect the will of the Nicaraguan people, who continue to struggle for democracy and the ability to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms. We do know, however, that this deprives Nicaragua’s people of a steadfast partner in its democratic and economic growth,” said the statement attributed to Ned Price, Department Spokesperson. “We encourage all countries that value democratic institutions, transparency, the rule of law, and promoting economic prosperity for their citizens to expand engagement with Taiwan.”
Taiwan’s relationships with diplomatic partners in the Western Hemisphere provide significant economic and security benefits to the citizens of those countries. Nicaragua received a $100 million in loans that helped sustain it in the face of United States sanctions. Nicaragua’s departure leaves Taiwan with 14 formal diplomatic allies and countless others in the Pacific, Caribbean, Latin America and Southern Africa discussing significant partnership opportunities, bilateral cooperation and assistance programs.
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In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said: “Taiwan has always been a loyal and reliable friend of Nicaragua. It has been working with Nicaragua for a long time to promote cooperation that is beneficial to the people’s livelihood and assist the overall development of Nicaragua country. The results and contributions are obvious to all. The government of president Ortega has disregarded the friendship between the people of Taiwan and Taiwan for many years, and our country regrets it very much.
“Our government will continue to promote “pragmatic diplomacy” to expand international living space, and strive to maintain regional peace and stability, and strive for our country’s due international status. To safeguard national interests and the well-being of the people.”
