The Nicaraguan Congress lamented Tuesday a decision made by the government of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez not to renew a broadcast license for private TV network Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV) and urged the ruler to honor his commitment to "the principles of freedom and democracy," Efe reported.

The action was approved during a plenary session by 54 deputies, 34 voted against and there were four absent, out of the total number of 92 lawmakers, said National Assembly Chair, Sandinist René Núñez.

"The National Assembly, as the political expression of the Nicaraguan people, can never endorse any action to the detriment of freedoms and despise of human rights. Therefore, it condemns the shutdown of Radio Caracas Televisión," stated the resolution.