The US State Department has said that Nicaragua had expelled three diplomats earlier this week, condemning what it called an "unwarranted" move that Washington said could damage bilateral ties.
"The expulsion of three US government officials from Nicaragua on the 14th of June did occur," said State Department spokesman John Kirby yesterday.
"We believe it was unwarranted and inconsistent with the positive and constructive agenda that we seek with the government of Nicaragua."
Washington has lodged a formal protest with Nicaragua's ambassador in the United States, Francisco Campbell.
Kirby said the three officials were on "temporary duty status" in Nicaragua and had just arrived in the central American country.
"Such treatment has the potential to negatively impact US and Nicaraguan bilateral relations, particularly trade," Kirby said.
