Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the Nicaraguan Presidential Elections

President Bush called President-elect Chamorro of Nicaragua to congratulate her on her election victory. President Bush noted that this is a great day for the people of Nicaragua. President Bush said the election reinforces the Nicaraguan people's commitment to the peace process and towards building a free and open society.

In addition, President Bush called Prime Minister Thatcher [of the United Kingdom], President Mitterrand [of France], and President Salinas [of Mexico] to thank them for the support they had exhibited over the past months for the return to a democratic process in Nicaragua. Prime Minister Mulroney [of Canada] called President Bush to discuss the Nicaraguan election and to express his support on behalf of the transfer to democratic rule.