published in:
NUEVO DIARIO
10/14/06
Managua, Nicaragua

see the original article (spanish)

US Citizens resist US foreign policy and monitor their Ambassador so that he does not intervene in the elections

by Luis Alemán

A group of U.S. citizens rejected what they describe as "interference" on the part of the U.S. Ambassador in Nicaragua's electoral process and demanded, "better conduct" from Ambassador Paul Trivelli. 

"The people of Nicaragua are the only ones qualified to resolve their internal affairs and their sovereignty should be respected," affirmed the U.S. citizens during a press conference that was held yesterday at the Nicaraguan Center for Human rights. (CENIDH). 

According to the North Americans, representing professional and social organizations in the United States, "The United States has gone beyond what is appropriate and correct in interferring in the electoral process."

The U.S. citizens state that the goal of their presence in Nicaragua is to monitor the interventionist policy of the United States that persists in "intimidating and influencing" voters.  They demand that their government "cease all efforts to intervene in Nicaraguan political processes."

Delegation met with political parties

 The delegation, which has been in the country for several days, explained that they have held meetings and conversations with representatives of political parties, non-governmental organizations, human rights groups, organizations of women, university students and representatives of the Organization of American States (OAS). 

The only person with whom the delegation was not able to speak was U.S. Ambassador Paul Trivelli, despite various requests for a meeting.  "We requested an appointment with the U.S. Embassy but it was denied," they explained.

The US citizens said that they were "offended" by the attitude and actions of Ambassador Trivelli who has delineated the measures that an incoming government should adopt in order for the United States to accept the electoral results.

"As citizens of the United States, we would strongly object if ambassadors or officials of foreign governments were to make declarations such as those that Congressman Burton or Ambassador Trivelli have made," they stated.

Teresa Adams, an employee of the General Electric Company in Cincinnati, Ohio affirmed that there should be no intervention in the Nicaraguan electoral process. 

Adams explained that one of her responsibilities when she returns to the United States will be to talk with the north American press in order to inform public opinion regarding the interventionist policy of the US government.

(THE REMAINDER OF THE ARTICLE INCLUDED THE US EMBASSY RESPONSE)