Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the Presidential Election Monitoring Commission on Nicaragua

The President today appointed congressional members of the Presidential Election Monitoring Commission on Nicaragua. The members include:

Senator Richard Lugar (R - IN), Cochairman

Representative Anthony Beilenson (D - CA), Cochairman

Senator David Boren (D - OK)

Senator Dave Durenberger (R - MN)

Senator Nancy Kassebaum (R - KS)

Senator Patrick Leahy (D - VT)

Senator Connie Mack (R - FL)

Senator John McCain (R - AZ)

Senator Claiborne Pell (D - RI)

Senator Harry Reid (D - NV)

Senator Terry Sanford (D - NC)

Representative David Bonior (D - MI)

Representative William Broomfield (R - MI)

Representative Rod Chandler (R - WA)

Representative Mickey Edwards (R - OK)

Representative Henry Hyde (R - IL)

Representative G.V. Montgomery (D - MS)

Representative John Murtha (D - PA)

Representative Jim Slattery (D - KS)

Representative Tom Tauke (R - IA)

As set forth in the bipartisan accord on Central America, Republicans and Democrats share an interest in seeing a free and fair electoral process in Nicaragua to bring freedom and peace to that troubled country. The members of the Commission will travel to Nicaragua from now through the February election to monitor closely the degree to which the Nicaraguan Government is keeping its commitment to hold a free and fair election. The President expressed his hope that this Commission, as well as all other election-observer groups, will be welcomed by the Nicaraguan Government and receive its full cooperation.