Nicaragua lawmakers give fast-track OK to Russian satellite ground station sought by Ortega

MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Nicaragua's parliament has authorized the establishment of a Russian satellite ground station in the Central American nation.

Officials say the base will permit the operation of a system similar to GPS for peaceful uses, such as mitigating natural disasters.

Opposition legislators object that the measure, which originated as an urgent presidential decree, was fast-tracked through without proper time for study.

The lawmaking body is dominated by President Daniel Ortega's ruling party and approved the decree Wednesday.

Cooperation between Russia and Nicaragua has increased in recent years. Nicaragua's military has said it is negotiating the purchase of Russian-made MiG-29 fighter jets.