WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released the following statement Friday regarding the expulsion of three of U.S. officials from Nicaragua:

“As the U.S. is building partnerships across Central America that promote greater security and economic growth, the Nicaraguan government’s decision to expel U.S. officials from the country runs counter to the region’s shared agenda,” said Cardin.  “The U.S. and Nicaragua need to move beyond fabricated controversies and pursue an agenda that advances our mutual economic, trade, and development interests.

“In order to achieve the full potential of this vision, the Nicaraguan government must also commit to respecting political pluralism and take the necessary steps to hold free, fair, and transparent elections later this year.”

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