Nicaragua politicos invited to U.S. Democratic convention forum

MANAGUA – The U.S. Democrats have invited Nicaraguan politicians, including former presidential candidates Eduardo Montaelegre and Edmundo Jarquín, to take part in the International Leaders Forum that coincides with the Democratic National Convention this week in Denver, Colorado.

The Liberal Party’s runner up in the 2006 Nicaraguan elections, Montealegre told newswire EFE he had to turn down an invitation by former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright because he is in the middle of campaigning to be mayor of Managua.

Jarquín, however, is already on his way. The Sandinista Renovation Movement candidate in the 2006 elections, won by Daniel Ortega, Jarquín is set to attend the leaders forum organized by the U.S. National Democratic Institute, presided over by Albright.

Jarquín’s trip to Denver was confirmed via a statement by his party, which opposes Ortega’s ruling Sandinista National Liberation Front.

The Sandinistas have been celebrating the 30th anniversary of their takeover of the congressional NationalPalace (see the latest Nica Times print or digital edition).

Other Nicaraguan invitees to the U.S. event include the Sandinistas’ head congressman, Edwin Castro, who declined the invitation, and Liberal congressman Maximino Rodríguez, whom EFE was unable to reach for comment.