Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Tom Brokaw) Report introduced.

(DC: Ed Rabel) Nicaraguan president Dan. Ortega and Cardinal Miguel Obando y Bravo shown shaking hands in Washington, DC after meeting Ortega's request that Obando present plan to Contra leaders immediately noted. Representative Jim Wright's role in holding private talks with Ortega discussed. Ortega's cease-fire proposal illustrated. [ORTEGA - (thru translator) talks about role Contras may play in a peaceful Nicaragua.] Contras' lack of power under peace plan noted. White House criticism of Jim Wright's involvement in Central American peace process mentioned. [Contra leader Alfredo CESAR - says he is ready to negotiate with the Sandinistas if Contra integrity is preserved.] Scenes of troops in North Nicaragua shown; details of Sandinista pressure for cease-fire given. [ORTEGA - (thru translator) says if Contras want political power in Nicaragua they can go through the election process.] Ortega visiting the Vietnam War Memorial discussed; scenes shown.

(Studio: Tom Brokaw) Reagan administration view that Ortega conceived of this plan to take pressure off the Sandinistas and on to United States pronounced. Criticism of House speaker Jim Wright mentioned. White House spokesperson Marlin Fitzwater's comment regarding dangers of outside involvement quoted on screen.

(Studio: Tom Brokaw) [Representative Jim WRIGHT - asserts that he was invited to join the peace negotiations and does not have to ask permission from anyone to do his job; says views are accountable only to the American people and not the Secretary of State or the President]

(Studio: Tom Brokaw) Secretary of State George Shultz's opinions regarding US involvement in direct negotiations with Nicaraguan leaders quoted.