Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 99 Part 1.djvu/272

 99 STAT. 250

PUBLIC LAW 99-83—AUG. 8, 1985 (1) Despite positive actions by the Congress signaling support for negotiated solutions to conflicts in Central America, there are disturbing trends in Nicaragua's foreign and domestic policies, including— (A) President Daniel Ortega's April 1985 trip to the Soviet Union at a time when the Congress signaled its strong disapproval of increasing Nicaraguan-Soviet ties; (B) the Sandinista government s close military ties with Cuba, the Soviet Union, and its Warsaw Pact allies; the disappointing and insufficient reduction of the number of Cuban advisors in Nicaragua by only 100 out of an approximately 2,500; and the continuing military buildup that Nicaragua's neighbors consider threatening; (C) the Sandinista government's curtailment of individual liberties, political expression, freedom of worship, and the independence of the media; (D) the subordination of military, judicial, and internal security functions to the ruling political party; and (E) the Sandinista government's efforts to export its influence and ideology. (2) If Nicaragua does not address the concerns described in paragraph (1), the United States has several options to address this challenge to peace and stability in the region, including political, diplomatic, and trade sanctions. In addition, the United States— (A) should through appropriate regional organizations, such as the Organization of American States, seek to maintain multilateral pressure on Nicaragua to address these concerns; and (B) should, if called upon to do so, give serious consideration to supporting any sanctions adopted by such an organization. (3) In assessing whether or not progress is being made in addressing these concerns, the Congress will expect prompt and significant initiatives by the Government of Nicaragua such as— (A) the removal of foreign military advisors from Nicaragua; (B) the end to Sandinista support for insurgencies in other countries in the region, including the cessation of military supplies to the rebel forces fighting the democratically elected government in El Salvador; (C) restoration of individual liberties, political expression, freedom of worship, and the independence of the media; and (D) progress toward internal reconciliation and a pluralistic democratic system, including steps to liberalize institutions in order to allow the internal opposition in Nicaragua to become a viable partner in the Nicaraguan political process. (c) RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICT IN NICARAGUA.-—

(1) BASIS FOR P0LiCY.~The Congress finds that— (A) the people of Nicaragua are suffering the horrors of a fierce armed conflict that is causing grave hardships and loss of life, has thrown the country into a serious political, social, and economic upheaval, and is of serious concern to the nations of the region and to the United States;

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