The National Assembly of Nicaragua has approved the entry of foreign military forces for humanitarian purposes from January

The National Assembly of Nicaragua on Wednesday urgently approved, at the request of the Executive, the entry of foreign military forces for humanitarian purposes and the exchange of military exercises, through a decree.

The foreign forces that will enter the country, according to the schedule starting on January 1 next year, are part of the Congress of the Armed Forces of Central America (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Dominican Republic); Also from the United States, Russia, Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela and China (Taiwan).

The provision also allows for the departure of military personnel, ships and aircraft of the Nicaraguan army from the national territory for humanitarian purposes.

“Decree authorizing the entry of foreign ships, aircraft and military personnel for the purposes of exchange and humanitarian assistance of mutual benefit in emergency situations and the departure of Nicaraguan troops, ships and aircraft out of the country, during the first semester 2022”, by 73 votes, 0 against, 1 abstention, and 13 deputies attended.

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A legislative source, who spoke with LA PRENSA on the condition of anonymity, stated that this authorization is typically done three times a year and that urgent action is almost always required, because naval vessels are only waiting for this authorization to begin heading toward their destinations.

The same source emphasized that there is no law for this mandate, but it is “implemented by agreement between the countries concerned.”

According to the decree, this exchange of military forces takes place in the framework of “friendly relations and international cooperation with other armed forces and armies of countries in the Central American region, hemisphere and the world, among which are the forces and armies of the Congress of the Armed Forces of Central America, the United States of America, the Russian Federation and the United Mexican States.” Venezuela, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Cuba, which has strengthened confidence in the following – measures of construction, peace, development and cooperation.”

The Legislative Decree adopted details “the entry into the national territory of fifty (50) military personnel, ships and aircraft of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces of Venezuela, on a rotational basis, for humanitarian purposes, from January 1 to June 30, 2022. ».

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Similarly, the law authorizes “the entry into the national territory of 50 military personnel, ships and aircraft of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of the Republic of Cuba, alternately, for humanitarian purposes, from January 1 to June 30, 2022.”

From Mexico, a total of 100 military personnel will enter, on a rotational basis: 50 military personnel, ships, aircraft and equipment from the Mexican Army and Air Force, for humanitarian purposes, from January 1 to June 30, 2022; and 50 military personnel, ships, aircraft and equipment from the Secretariat of the Mexican Navy, for humanitarian purposes, from January 1 to June 30, 2022.

From Taiwan, 800 military personnel, 3 ships of the Naval Instruction Fleet will enter for a mutual courtesy visit with the Naval Force of the Nicaraguan Army.

From other countries there are no details of the amount to be entered.

Departure of troops from Nicaragua

The number of Nicaraguan forces that will leave the country has not been specified, but it has been clarified that they are soldiers, ships, aircraft and equipment from the Nicaraguan army to support the advance coordination of countries, to carry out humanitarian missions, from January 1 to June 30, 2022.

Destinations are Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and the Dominican Republic, for humanitarian purposes, under the Central American Armed Forces Conference (CFAC), from January 1 to June 30, 2022.

Also to Venezuela, Cuba and Mexico, all in the first half of 2022, in humanitarian aid missions.