The U.S. government is examining its USD175 million aid program for Nicaragua following a lawmaker’s proposal to defer the assistance to the Central American country due to election irregularities. Howard Berman, chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the concerns in Nicaragua’s municipal elections are part of “a consistent pattern of behavior by the government of (President) Daniel Ortega that calls into question Nicaragua’s respect for the rule of law and good governance.” The Millennium Challenge Corporation is “currently considering the appropriate action to take with respect to MCC’s engagement with Nicaragua,” an MCC spokeswoman said. (“US reviews aid to Nicaragua after election concerns” - Thomson Reuters, Nov. 25, 2008)
