The United States is suspending about $2 million in military assistance to Nicaragua because President Enrique Bolanos has not followed through on a promise to destroy surface-to-air-missiles, the State Department said Monday.
The Bush administration is concerned that the missiles, left over from the Central American wars of the 1980's, could fall into "terrorists' hands" and be used to attack commercial flights.
State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said the suspension will affect a military training program for Nicaraguans and credits for military sales.
He noted that the great bulk of the U.S. assistance program for Nicaragua, totaling $46 million, will continue. This includes social and economic development programs.
As for the missiles, they are believed to be in the custody of the Nicaraguan military, said a State Department official, requesting anonymity.
