Nicaragua’s Ortega denies responsibility for attacks on Catholic Church

Daniel Ortega, who said he is open to continuing talks mediated by the Roman Catholic Church, has denied that he controls paramilitary groups blamed for most of the killings.

In a recorded interview broadcast on Monday by Fox News, Mr Ortega said they are supported by his political opponents and foreign interests.

That is counter to what international organisations and Nicaraguan human rights groups have documented.

Last week, the Organisation of American States adopted a resolution condemning human rights abuses committed by Nicaraguan police and armed pro-government civilians.

“We were elected by the voters,” Mr Ortega said. The next election is not scheduled until 2021.

“And then we’ll have to see who will be voted in for the new administration.”

The president also denied responsibility for attacks on the Catholic Church, whose facilities and clergy have faced aggression in recent weeks.

Last week, in a speech on the anniversary of the Nicaraguan revolution, Mr Ortega accused Catholic bishops of working with coup plotters, saying that disqualified them as mediators.

But in the interview, the president said, “We invite the Catholic Church to continue with the dialogue so the dialogue can grow and develop in an open manner.”

Nicaragua’s bishops met on Monday behind closed doors to discuss how to restart talks between the government and opposition.

Meanwhile there were…