Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Tom Brokaw) Report introduced.

(DC: Bob Kur) Representative Jim Wright and Secretary of State George Shultz's shouting match regarding Wright's role in Central American peace plans reported [WRIGHT - says was invited to meet with the Nicaraguan government leaders because he treats them as equals and not inferiors.] "Washington Post" article quoting unidentified White House official that Wright was making grave errors by interfering in peace process mentioned. Wright's meeting with President Reagan and Shultz reported Shultz said to have intimated Wright was a liar for misleading the administration White House statement regarding Wright's involvement quoted on screen. [State Department spokesperson Charles REDMAN - affirms Secretary State George Shultz's stance on this issue.] Dan. Ortega shown arriving in DC. Wright's comment regarding fact that it would have been better to brief Shultz more before Ortega's arrival noted. Colleagues' defense of Wright's actions mentioned. [Representative Thomas DOWNEY - praises Wright.] [Former Secretary of State Henry KISSINGER - says Congress should not be involved in this type of situation but the administration should have been more effective in defining meaningful concept of peace.] Rel. between White House and House speaker said never more strained.