ACCESSION NUMBER:305169
FILE ID:TXT201
DATE:09/28/93
TITLE:NICARAGUA MUST MOVE TOWARD RECONCILIATION (09/28/93)
TEXT:*93092801.TXT
NICARAGUA MUST MOVE TOWARD RECONCILIATION
(VOA Editorial) (310)
(Following is an editorial, broadcast by the Voice of America September 28,
reflecting the views of the U.S. government.)
The people of Nicaragua are celebrating the 155th anniversary of their
national independence this month. The United States offers the hope that
the leaders of the country's political factions mark the occasion by
affirming their intention to pursue national reconciliation.
The United States recognizes that Nicaragua has undergone a difficult
transition since President Violetta Chamorro was elected in 1990. And it
1s clear that significant efforts to promote national reconciliation have
been made. Only such reconciliation can end Nicaragua's political violence
and polarization and bring about renewed economic growth and development.
That is why the United States has encouraged the Nicaraguan government, the
National Opposition Union and the Sandinista Front to pursue a dialogue.
All political parties in Nicaragua have a legitimate role to play in
strengthening the democratic process, as long as the authority of the
democratically elected president is accepted.
In this regard, the United States commends President Chamorro for her recent
move to assert civilian control over the military and intelligence
services. Her plan is consistent with her electoral mandate and is
essential for the consolidation of constitutional government in Nicaragua.
Only when the rule of law and civilian authority over the security forces
are established can true national reconciliation take place. The United
States calls on the leadership of the security services to assist in
carrying out President Chamorro's decisions in an orderly and peaceful
manner.
When he visited the country in June, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Clifton
Wharton made a special appeal to Nicaraguans to join together in an effort
to resolve the issues that divide them. As Deputy Secretary of State
Wharton said, "The search for a democratic consensus deserves the support
of all Nicaraguans of good will."
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