Nicaragua has broken off diplomatic relations with Italy after Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani demanded the extradition of Alessio Casimirri, a former member of the Red Brigades terrorist group, according to infohub.kz.
In an official statement, Nicaragua's foreign ministry called Tajani's remarks "unfounded, aggressive, and irresponsible." Managua said the comments were seen as an insult to the country's people and government, and that severing ties was an exercise of national sovereignty.
The diplomatic crisis was sparked by Tajani's speech in Madrid, where he recalled the 1978 murder of former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro and again called on Nicaragua to extradite Casimirri, whom Italian authorities believe was involved in the kidnapping and killing.
Casimirri was sentenced in absentia in Italy to six life terms for terrorist acts, including the attack on Moro's security detail and his murder. He left Italy in the early 1980s and has lived in Nicaragua since 1983, where he obtained citizenship and runs a restaurant and fishing business.
Nicaragua also criticized Tajani's statements as "European arrogance." The statement stressed that the extradition demand and public assessments of the country showed disrespect for its sovereignty.
The foreign ministry noted that bilateral relations had previously been based on mutual respect and understanding.
"Today, faced with this shameful situation, we deeply regret that such aggression occurs in contradiction to the historical ties between Italy and us, as well as other brotherly countries, and we hope for better times that humanity so desperately needs and longs for," the statement said.
The ministry said it had formally notified Italy of the severance of diplomatic relations and begun the necessary procedures.