Number: 96-813 Title: Nicaragua: Changes Under the Chamorro Government and U.S. Concerns Authors: Maureen E. Taft-Morales, Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division Abstract: National reconciliation has been the primary goal of President Violeta Chamorro's administration since 1990. Yet many critics saw her commitment to keeping the peace within the Nicaraguan national family as slowing the pace of political, institutional, and economic reform in the early years of her seven-year term. During the last two years, however, Nicaragua has begun to develop the institutions that contribute to a pluralist system. Primary U.S. concerns are the development of democracy and of the economy, and the settlement of property claims. U.S. aid was given to promote fair elections on October 20, 1996. Chamorro transferred power to the newly elected president, Arnoldo Aleman, on January 10, 1997. Pages: 6 Date: Updated May 16, 1997