Nicaragua March Agreement

MANAGUA, Nicaragua — Nicaraguan government negotiators on Friday signed agreements that ratified their obligation to release and trap charges against hundreds of people considered by the opposition as political prisoners and promised freedom of demonstration. When small groups of protesters gathered near the route, they were quickly surrounded by police officers who did not allow the groups to blend in. The protesters, many of whom waved Nicaragua`s blue and white flag, chanted “Freedom! Freedom! “in place. President Ortega has agreed to resume talks almost certainly in order to preserve his dominance in a moment of acute economic and political weakness; A large part of his negotiating strategy was to expand the talks as much as possible and exhaust the opposition. This approach is risky, as the opposition and foreign powers risk losing patience, which could lead to an increase in regional and international pressure that Ortega absolutely wants to reduce. With the release of most political prisoners, Ortega himself seems to have chosen the smartest path. He should now build on that commendable gesture, fully implement existing agreements and seek a lasting settlement that can help his Government escape international condemnation and new sanctions, avoid further economic distress and avoid future unrest. The two sides also signed agreements on Friday “to strengthen citizens` rights and guarantees” and called on the authorities to take steps to disarm pro-government gangs, which are accused of much of the violence against protesters.