The following is a letter drafted by the LAWG and signed by US non-governmental organizations expressing concern with the nature of US involvement in the Nicaraguan elections of 2001.

October 10, 2001

Dear President Bush,

We, the undersigned, call on the United States to promote our country’s ideals of democracy, peace, and respect for human rights in its relationship with Nicaragua.

Nicaragua, one of the most impoverished countries in our hemisphere, owes a $6.6 billion debt and is in the midst of an economic crisis brought on by the dramatic decrease in coffee prices and a devastating drought. Against this background, Nicaragua is preparing for presidential elections in early November.

The United States should strive to offer positive, nonpartisan support for a fair electoral process in Nicaragua. The forging of such an approach is, of course, made more difficult by the United States' history of military intervention and backing of partisan factions. Supportive, nonpartisan actions such as the provision of balloting supplies and technical electoral advice and training, while maintaining a respectful noninterventionist message regarding Nicaraguans' choice of leaders, is the best path to take. Unfortunately, recent actions by the U.S. Embassy have been of a damaging, rather than constructive, nature. In May of this year, U.S. Ambassador Oliver Garza presented a statement on the Nicaraguan elections backed by a row of uniformed U.S. soldiers. In a country with a history of military intervention in civilian affairs, an appearance by a United States official with soldiers behind him sends a clear and foreboding message about potential U.S. intervention. Ambassador Garza has also spoken out against Sandinista candidate Daniel Ortega while openly calling for an alliance between the incumbent Liberal Party and the Conservative Party. Ambassador Garza’s terms of involvement demonstrate a partisanship that is inappropriate during this critical time in Nicaragua’s history.

It is time for the United States to step back and allow Nicaraguans the freedom to democratically elect their preferred leader. We call upon the United States government to focus not on partisan intervention, but on encouraging transparent and democratic elections.

Once the Nicaraguan people have chosen their next leader, the United States must support the Nicaraguan people’s choice, for only a clean election and smooth transition will strengthen Nicaragua’s democracy. If the United States intervenes in the election or refuses to recognize a democratically elected leader, we betray the very ideals on which our nation was founded.

In the next few months, Nicaragua will find itself at a critical point in history. During this period, the United States has the opportunity to promote a more positive future for Nicaragua and a better relationship for our two nations. Our community will support independent, non-partisan electoral observers during the election. We look forward to your response to these issues.

Sincerely,

Marie Dennis
Director
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns

David Moczulski, OFM
Executive Director
Franciscan Washington Office for Latin America

Kathy Thornton, R.S.M.
National Coordinator
NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby

Larry Birns
Director
Council on Hemispheric Affairs

John Lindsay-Poland
Director
Fellowship of Reconciliation-- Task Force on Latin America and the Caribbean

Cristina Espinel and Barbara Gerlach
Co-Chairs
Colombia Human Rights Committee

Alice Zachmann
Director
Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA

Sarah Aird
Executive Director
Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala

Arlene Reed
President, Board of Directors
Sister Parish

David A. Vargas
Executive Director
Latin America/Caribbean office
Global Ministries
UCC/Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Geoff Thale
Senior Associate
Washington Office on Latin America

Margaret Swedish
Executive Director
Religious Task Force on Central America and Mexico

Stacie Jonas
Director, Bring Pinochet to Justice Campaign
Institute for Policy Studies
Washington, DC

Katherine Hoyt
National Co-Coordinator
Nicaragua Network

Rev. William Callahan
Co-Coordinator
Quest for Peace/Quixote Center

Rita Clark
Director
Nicaragua-US Friendship Office

Wes Callender
Director
Voices on the Border

Steven Bennett
Director
Witness for Peace