The results have been remarkable. Although still among the hemisphere's poorest nations, Nicaragua has enjoyed peace, steady economic growth, and dramatically improved relationships with all of its neighbors, including the United States. Important reforms have occurred within the military and security forces, human rights violations have been sharply reduced, and Nicaragua became the first country in Central America to place its military forces under a civilian minister of defense. Quite unlike a decade ago, the Government of Nicaragua often supports U.S. initiatives in international fora and has been supportive of a broad range of U.S. policies in the region. Nevertheless, the legacy of 11 years of dictatorship and economic mismanagement has left its mark upon Nicaraguan government and society.
Public institutions remain weak and under-funded.
The concept of political power sharing is in its infancy and some Sandinista leaders have never totally abdicated the possibility of resorting to force to achieve their objectives. The U.S. Government remains actively engaged with the government and the people of Nicaragua as they move forward to confront the challenges that remain. We continue to provide a broad range of assistance which contributes directly to greater regional stability, economic growth, and to the protection of vital U.S. interests in Nicaragua. We can ill afford to surrender the gains we have made in recent years. We are working to strengthen judicial systems around the world so the leaders of drug and crime syndicates have nowhere to hide.