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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release September 3, 1993

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

We strongly support steps Nicaraguan President Violeta Chamorro announced yesterday to reassert civilian control of Nicaragua's security services. They are consistent with her electoral mandate and essential to the consolidation of constitutional government in Nicaragua. We call on the leadership of the security services to assist in carrying out President Chamorro's decisions in an orderly and peaceful manner.

At the same time, we encourage the Nicaraguan Government, the National Opposition Union and the Sandinista Front to pursue vigorously their dialogue aimed at national reconciliation. All political parties in Nicaragua have a legitimate role to play in strengthening the democratic process as long as they accept the authority of the democratically-elected President. These talks offer all Nicaraguans the opportunity to achieve peace and stability in their country.

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