Russian warships' visit to Nicaragua not political - Navy
12/12/2008 14:56 MOSCOW, December 12 (RIA Novosti) - A visit by Russian warships to Nicaragua, due to start on Friday, has no political element, an aide to the Russian Navy commander said on Friday.
Nicaragua's parliament, which has been prevented from functioning by the opposition since November, has failed to approve the visit. President Daniel Ortega said on Friday that despite the political deadlock in the country Russian warships would be able to visit the Central American state.
Capt. 1st Rank Igor Dygalo said: "The visit has no political tone and has been agreed through military and diplomatic channels in compliance with all the necessary formalities."
He added that the visit by the Russian warships "is friendly and corresponds to common practice as well as naval traditions and customs."
Russia's Admiral Chabanenko missile destroyer and two support ships are to visit the port of Bluefields in Nicaragua on December 12-15 following a joint naval exercise with Venezuela and a visit to Panama.
Nicaragua is the only country to back Russia in recognizing the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states following a brief Russian-Georgian conflict in August.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
