The authorities of Nicaragua announced the severance of diplomatic relations with Italy. According to EFE, this follows from a press release by the Nicaraguan government.

“This decision was made in response to the unfounded, aggressive, and irresponsible statements of Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who insulted the people and authorities of Nicaragua, ignoring all norms of respect in relations between peoples and governments,” the statement said.

The escalation came after Tajani once again appealed for the extradition of one of the murderers of former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro, terrorist Alessio Casimirri, who has been hiding in Nicaragua for many years.

On the eve of the announcement, in Madrid, Tajani honored the memory of Moro, who was killed by members of the Red Brigades in 1978, and condemned the Nicaraguan authorities for continuing to provide Casimirri with shelter and protection. The minister added that the Nicaraguan government refuses to comply with extradition requests submitted by the Italian side.