The World - News from June 20, 1989

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said he has asked Cardinal Miguel Obando y Bravo to mediate between Nicaragua and the United States to open the way for dialogue between the bitterly opposed countries. Obando y Bravo has often been critical of the leftist Sandinistas. The cardinal said the church is ready to take any steps to help bring peace to Nicaragua, torn by eight years of war against U.S.-backed rebels. Meanwhile, Washington accused Managua of trying to prevent monitoring of its elections by requiring Americans to get visas before entering the country.