Knee Jerk Revisionism

Dear Madam,

Duncan Cambell reports in today's Irish Times (5/10/05) that "[i]n a move that has echoes of US intervention in the country's politics in the 1980s, US deputy secretary of state Robert Zoellick is in the capital Managua this week to head off the possibility of the Sandinista leader, Daniel Ortega, returning to power."

Mr. Zoellick warned those who thought they could remove him, "there will be consequences in terms of their relations with the United States." He also attacked Mr Ortega and Mr Aleman and their "corrupt pact," making clear that $4 billion in debt forgiveness and a $175 million grant would be withheld if Mr Bolanos was toppled.

In 1986, the International Court of Justice ruled that the United States was guilty of aggression in its support for the terrorist Contra war against Nicaragua and because of this owed Nicaragua an indemnity of US$17 billion for the destruction caused. This money has yet to be paid.

Therefore it would not be surprising if the US administration withheld debt forgiveness or monetary aid, indeed it would echo history.

Yours sincerely,

US warns Nicaragua against ousting president
Duncan Campbell

NICARAGUA: The United States has warned Nicaraguan politicians that millions of dollars of aid will be withheld from the country if any moves are made to oust the president, Enrique Bolanos.

continued... The Irish Times