As trade falters, the region aims to halt the violence in Nicaragua

As trade in Central America slumps as a result of the crisis in Nicaragua, the United States, 12 Latin American countries and the UN general secretary Antonio Guterres, are insisting on an end to the violence and repression of demonstrators by the government of President Daniel Ortega.

The continuos blockades of roads has rendered impassible the regular regional trade route from north to south through Central America.

Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Panama have suffered "collateral damage" from the protests that have killed 300 protesters in Nicaragua.