Political Tension Builds Up in Nicaragua
Political tension is building up in Nicaragua as the National Assembly (Parliament) considers the ousting of President Enrique Bolaños and Interior Minister Julio Vega for refusing to attend a tripartite dialogue with the opposition.

So far, the President has been shielded by immunity from facing charges of electoral fraud. Bolaños used state funds to finance his campaign during the 20001 presidential race.

The opposition also considers that he violated the law when he ordered the eviction of the new management of the Telecommunications and Mailing Institute (TELCOR) which had been approved by the legislature, and ordered the police to ignore new Constitutional reforms.

They have asked the President to allow an audit of TELCOR and of Aqueduct and Sewerage Systems.

In view of such serious incidents, the Comptrollers" Office has requested his dismissal and a fine of four months salary.

The General Secretary of opposition party Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), Daniel Ortega, accused the head of the executive of violating the constitution in attempting to create a climate of confrontation by resisting the settlement of problems via peaceful means.

FSLN legislator, Edwin Castro, said his party and the Constitutional Liberal Party (PLC) are ready to strip Vega of immunity so he can face court for violating the Constitution.

The General Secretary of the Organization of American States (OAS), Jose Miguel Insulza, failed in his attempt to mediate the crisis when Bolaños refused to return to a tripartite dialogue with the FSLN and PLC, that also involved Cardinal Miguel Obando.

Government Minister Ernesto Leal proposed holding a referendum in November to let the people approve or reject the reforms, and call for legislative and presidential elections in 2006.