Senior Bureau Official for Western Hemisphere Affairs Michael Kozak delivered remarks on Aug. 5 before a Special Meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council regarding the Murillo-Ortega dictatorship’s threat to peace and security in the hemisphere.
The United States addressed the council about the need for urgent action, presenting a draft resolution co-sponsored by Argentina, Costa Rica, Panama, and Paraguay. The resolution proposes convening a Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs to determine a collective response.
Kozak said that the United States cannot continue to act alone against what it describes as a threat posed by the Murillo-Ortega government to regional stability. He emphasized that now is an important moment for OAS members to work together in support of democratic principles and in defense of Nicaraguans’ rights.
The U.S. statement called on OAS member states to demonstrate unity in addressing what it termed “the desecration of democratic principles” and supporting Nicaragua’s people in their pursuit of self-determination.
No further details were provided about next steps or potential actions by OAS members following this meeting.