The Central American Parliament (Parlacen) could have the State Duma of Russia as a permanent observer by the end of this month — a long-standing dream of the Ortega-Murillo regime — after 76 deputies requested the incorporation of the Russian parliament as an observer on Wednesday, September 11, 13 months after this regional forum included China and expelled Taiwan under the same category.
Parlacen expelled Taiwan as an observer on August 22, 2023, to incorporate China in the same category. Although the inclusion of Russia does not require the expulsion of another observer, the process has taken more time.
Consulted parliamentarians considered that Parlacen incorporated China and could add Russia so that both countries, in their capacity as observers, could expand their influence in the Central American region. Additionally, Russia, like China, will have to contribute an annual fee of approximately $350,000, plus donations, as evidenced by the letter sent by the parliamentarians on September 11
Photo: Parlacen
“The incorporation of countries as observers in Parlacen is being used like a franchise for those that support dictatorships, political persecution, the disregard for human rights, electoral fraud, and freedom, among other things,” said José Ramos, a Panamanian deputy in Parlacen, in statements to this newspaper, referring to the fact that this regional political body serves as a platform for both countries to expand their influence in the region.
Although the role of permanent observers is quite “passive” and does not allow them to express opinions or vote on decisions made by Parlacen, their level of influence in the member countries can be considerable.
Translation:
“Both Russia and China, which is already an observer, are vying for influence in the region, but with different strategic axes. China is a bit more cautious in its stance towards the United States, while Russia competes for influence in a more direct way. Their objectives are different,” said an analyst consulted under the condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisals.
As of now, the permanent observers of Parlacen are: Mexico, Morocco, and China, according to the 2022-2023 report of the Board of Directors.
Parlacen Observer: Invitation to Forums
Ramos believes that Russia’s only interest is to expand its sphere of influence in the region.
“With Russia, what they are looking for is for Daniel Ortega Reyes to finally incorporate it, and also into SICA (Central American Integration System). Basically, what Russia can offer is participation in forums, attending events and activities, seminars, and visits to Russia by deputies, as has been done before, although Russia doesn’t cover many costs,” said Ramos. Since December 13, 2018, Russia has requested to become an observer in SICA, and the request is currently being processed.
The letter signed by the 76 deputies states that Russia developed 13 lines of action with Parlacen, including a cooperation agreement, support with high-level experts on cybercrime, the donation of tests to detect COVID-19, and the participation of Parlacen as an electoral observer in Russia’s 2024 elections.
A parliamentarian consulted anonymously also mentioned that, by joining as observers, countries can have closer interactions with the deputies.
China promised to pay its annual fee
After Parlacen included the Chinese parliament as an observer, China committed to paying the outstanding fee from Taiwan as well as its own fee.
“China fulfilled the payment of $350,000 annually and committed to covering the amount that Taiwan did not pay last year because it was expelled before the payment was due,” Ramos said.
However, there is very little clarity about the role that China plays as a permanent observer in Parlacen.
“I am unaware if there have been other donations, unless they were made directly to the countries, including Nicaragua, which receives substantial support from China,” said Ramos.
Incorporation of Russia Still “Up in the Air”
Ramos expressed that, despite the letter of request to include Russia as an observer featuring 76 deputy signatures, not all of those signatures may translate into votes at the upcoming plenary assembly on September 26 and 27 of this year.
“It’s not that straightforward yet. But I think they are taking advantage of the fact that there are two new blocs in Parlacen,” he noted.
According to Article 176, the request to include a country’s parliament as an observer in Parlacen must be submitted in writing to the presidency, along with a statement of reasons.
“The request must be reviewed at the next immediate session of the Board of Directors, which must designate the Commission on Foreign Affairs and Migration to initiate a process of political and diplomatic dialogue regarding the provisions established for this purpose,” states Article 176.
The dictatorship, through the deputy of the dictatorship, Daniel Ortega Reyes, has promoted the inclusion of the State Duma of Russia as an observer in Parlacen. The Nicaraguan parliamentary bloc provided a report on April 8, highlighting the efforts made to incorporate the State Duma of Russia as a permanent observer in Parlacen, according to a publication on their official site that summarizes the main points of the monthly meeting.