Introductory text

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

On 14 October 2019 the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2019/1720^f1 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Nicaragua.

On 14 October 2019 the Council also adopted conclusions in which it recalled its concern at the deteriorating political and social situation in Nicaragua and firm condemnation of the repression by security forces and pro-government armed groups of political opponents, demonstrators, independent media and civil society organisations that had been ongoing since April 2018. The Union also affirmed its determination to use all its instruments to support a peaceful and negotiated solution to the crisis and its intention to monitor the situation in the country closely in order to react to further deterioration of human rights and the rule of law.

The Council, underscoring its concerns with regard to the overall situation in respect of human rights and democratic governance, adopted restrictive measures and noted that those measures would be used in a gradual and flexible manner and that specific designations could be added in the event of a continued stalemate and further deterioration in respect of human rights and the rule of law.

In view of the continuing grave situation in Nicaragua, six persons should be included in the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in the Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2019/1720.

The Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2019/1720 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: