U.S. confirms expulsion of 3 American officials by Nicaragua

The U.S. government confirmed on Thursday that three American officials had been expelled from Nicaragua, warning that this could damage ties between the two countries.

"The expulsion on June 14 did occur," John Kirby, a spokesperson for the State Department, confirmed in a news briefing.

All three officials were in Nicaragua "on temporary duty status" and arrived in the country recently. However, Kirby did not disclose further details.

"It was unwarranted and inconsistent with the positive and constructive agenda that we seek with the government of Nicaragua. Also, such treatment has the potential to negatively impact U.S.-Nicaraguan bilateral relations, particularly trade," he warned.

Nicaragua said that it expelled two U.S. officials from the country in an "unfortunate incident."

It was not immediately clear why Nicaragua and the United States had different figures.

(APD)