[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 135 (Friday, August 11, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12345-S12347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CLINTON ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES FOREIGN AID TO NICARAGUAN CONFISCATORS

  Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, on July 26, Secretary of State Christopher 
waived the prohibition on United States foreign aid to the Nicaraguan 
Government--on what he called national interest grounds--even though 
the Nicaraguan Government has failed to resolve the claims of 
properties stolen from Americans. Nicaragua has not resolved even one-
third of the cases involving confiscation of properties owned by 
American citizens.
  In order to comply with United States law, the Government of 
Nicaragua has four options: First, it can return the properties to the 
rightful owners, second, compensate the owners, third, develop a viable 
process to resolve claims, or fourth, submit cases to international 
arbitration. Despite this considerable statutory latitude, the 
Nicaraguan Government has nonetheless failed miserably in meeting the 
criterion required by United States law before any United States aid 
can properly be provided.
  Since November 1994, following elections in which the Democrats lost 
control of both the United States House and the United States Senate, 
the Nicaraguan Government did pick up a bit of occasional speed and 
resolved in 6 months twice as may cases as were resolved in the 
previous 4 years, proving that the problem is not the Nicaraguan 
Government's inability to resolve these cases and thereby comply with 
United States law; no, it is the Nicaraguan regime's unwillingness to 
do so.
  This is a problem of political will. So the Nicaraguans prevailed 
upon the Clinton administration to bail them out. Secretary of State 
Christopher dutifully complied so that United States foreign aid would 
continue to flow to the Chamorro regime which is still largely under 
the control of the Communist Sandinistas who brought ruin to Nicaragua 
while they were in control of the government in Managua.
  Thus Secretary Christopher and the Clinton administration rewarded 
Nicaragua, claiming that foreign aid to that country is in the United 
States national interest.
  Mr. President, I have received scores of letters from American 
citizens whose properties in Nicaragua were confiscated by the 
Sandinistas. These citizens reject the nonsense that assistance to the 
Nicaraguan Government is in the national interest of the United States 
taxpayer. In fact, they assert, it is the height of folly to send 
further foreign aid to a government that refuses to return their 
properties to them or fairly compensate them.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that 20 of these letters be 
printed in the Record at the conclusion of my remarks. The others are 
available for inspection by anyone desiring to see them.
  There being no objection, the letters were ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                                                    July 31, 1995.
     Hon. Jesse Helms,
     Chairman, U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Helms: We were appalled to learn of the Waiver 
     to Section 527 of the Department of State Authorization Act 
     exercised by Secretary Warren Christopher.
       Progress on the resolution of property claims of U.S. 
     citizens does not justify this waiver, as there are still 
     over one thousand cases after 5 years of the Chamorro 
     Administration.
       We urge you to extend our protest to the Department of 
     State.
           Sincerely,
     Peter R. Sengelmann.
                                                                    ____



                                                 Glendale, CA,

                                                    July 31, 1995.
     Senator Jesse Helms,
     Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
     Att: Elizabeth Demoss
       Dear Senator Helms: Our American property that was 
     confiscated illegally by the Nicaraguan government in 1979 
     has not been returned yet. We have done everything they have 
     asked us to do for the last 16 years, and nothing has 
     happened. Just dilatory tactics and lies, pure lies.
       As long as we keep giving them money, the American 
     Properties will not ever be returned. Please DO NOT send them 
     any more money. I work very hard to pay my taxes, please do 
     not give them away.
       I beg you.
           Sincerely yours,
     Rene Cardenas and Jilma Cardenas.
                                                                    ____



                                           Managua, Nicaragua,

                                                   August 1, 1995.
     Mr. Jesse Helms,
     U.S. Senator, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Helms: I have been learning that you are one 
     of the best friends of the American-Nicaraguan Citizens who 
     were expropriated or confiscated by the Sandinista 
     Government.
       This petition is sent to you, asking for your continuous 
     effort to intervene before the U.S. Congress, so that the 
     Nicaraguan government activates the due process of all of the 
     U.S. Citizens who are still awaiting for a favorable 
     resolution of our expropriated properties.
       I have been claiming since 1990 and doing what I think I 
     have to do to get my property back. At the moment, I could 
     not find the way to get my problem solved.
       Once more, I want to let you know how grateful all American 
     citizens are knowing that you and our Republican party are 
     interested in bringing back the justice to Nicaragua and its 
     people, as well. Thank you for your time and hope for 
     success.
           Sincerely yours,
     Liliana Arguello de Vargas.
                                                                    ____

                                                    Miama, FL,

                                                    July 31, 1995.
     Hon. Jesse A. Helms,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator: It is appalling to hear that aid has again 
     been released to the corrupt government of Nicaragua.
       My property was stolen from me by the previous Sandinista 
     regime and to date, I have not been able to recover my house. 
     I don't understand how the Clinton administration can 
     continue to send my tax dollars to the thieves that are using 
     what rightfully belongs to me.
       I, along with numerous other Americans, feel betrayed by 
     Clinton and his inept people in the Department of State that 
     are contributing to the coverup of the Nicaraguan reality.
     Charles W. Kettel.
                                                                    ____



                                             Key Biscayne, FL,

                                                   August 1, 1995.
     Hon. Jesse Helms,
     Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Helms: President Clinton's decision to grant a 
     waiver to Nicaragua demonstrates a blatant betrayal to US 
     citizens like myself who have been struggling for the last 17 
     years to recuperate properties that were confiscated by the 
     Sandinistas and blatantly stolen by Chamorro's government.
       This letter is in total support of any legislation that 
     will enable Congress and not the President to have the 
     authority to grant any future aid to Nicaragua. The Clinton 
     Administration has its own agenda and the protection of 
     rights of American citizens is obviously not a part of it. 
     What President Clinton has forgotten is that he in an elected 
     official placed in such office by our votes. His granting 
     this waiver to Nicaragua denotes his blatant disregard for 
     the safety and wellbeing of US citizens abroad. Such move 
     will not only affect him but his entire Democratic Party as 
     well. Hopefully Congress will wake up and realize we are the 
     voters.
           Sincerely,
     Anna Solorzano Rivero.
                                                                    ____

                                               Carrollton, TX,

                                                   August 1, 1995.
     Hon. Jesse Helms,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
     Att: Elizabeth deMoss
       Dear Senator Helms: My wife and I are among the many U.S. 
     citizens owning property in Nicaragua which has been 
     expropriated by the ex-Sandinista government. We urge you not 
     to support the Clinton administration's attempt to continue 
     aid to that country until it demonstrates a willingness to 
     return these properties to their lawful owners.
           Respectfully,
     William T. Criswell.
                                                                    ____



                                                      Managua,

                                                   August 1, 1995.
     Hon. Jesse Helms,
     Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Helms: It is amazing that my Government seems 
     satisfied with the 

[[Page S 12346]]
     ``progress'' that the Nicaraguan Government said it is doing returning 
     the properties to U.S. citizens living in Nicaragua.
       I personally appreciate your efforts and dedication you 
     have given to the problem of American properties in 
     Nicaragua. My Government has to realize that what you are 
     doing is protecting your constituents, as the law requires 
     from every Senator and Congressman of the United States, who 
     have been elected for that purpose.
           With my utmost respect,
     Edith Cohen.
                                                                    ____



                                                Pensacola, FL,

                                                   August 1, 1995.
     Hon. Jesse Helms,
     U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
       Dear Senator Helms: I regret to inform you the Nicaraguan 
     Government has not returned my properties after years of 
     worthless red tape, aggravations, and thousands of dollars of 
     expenses. I was in Managua the week of February 27, 1995, met 
     with various Government officials in charge of resolving 
     property claims, and to date nothing has been resolved. I 
     have received promises they are going to look into the 
     claims, and they talk about issuing worthless bonds, which 
     are unacceptable. No Foreign Aid should be given to the 
     Nicaraguan Government till U.S. citizen's properties are 
     returned!
           Sincerely,
     Richard J. Brockmann.
                                                                    ____

                                                 Bethesda, MD,

                                                    July 31, 1995.
     Hon. Jesse Helms,
     Chairman, U.S. Senate, Foreign Relations Committee, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Helms: As a United States citizen, I am 
     writing you as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations 
     Committee to request your continued support to resolve the 
     issue of U.S. citizen's property that was illegally 
     confiscated by the Nicaraguan government in 1979.
       As an effected party, my request for assistance is clear: 
     Withhold financial aid to Nicaragua until the property of 
     U.S. citizens has been returned or that just, adequate and 
     effective compensation has been provided.
       Unfortunately, the Chamorro administration, as did her 
     predecessors, The Sandinista regime, continues to use the 
     property issue as a political tool, disregarding the legal 
     owner's rights in favor of attempting to ``legalize'' the 
     illicit confiscations by them and their political allies.
       It is clear that only by denying the aid package can there 
     be any real pressure placed on the Nicaraguan government to 
     proceed to a just resolution of this problem. Until this 
     issue is satisfied there will never be true justice or 
     democracy, weakening their fragile economy and needing more 
     and more aid in the future.
       Please continue to use the means that would return the 
     properties back to their rightful owners. I as a U.S. citizen 
     want justice for me and my family.
           Sincerely yours,
     Eduardo J. Seville S.
                                                                    ____

                                            Coconut Grove, FL,

                                                   August 2, 1995.
     Hon. Jesse Helms,
     U.S. Senate, Chairman, Foreign Relations Committee, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Helms: I am writing to you in response to the 
     distressing news that the U.S. State Department is going to 
     go ahead and give foreign aid to Nicaragua.
       As long as there are unresolved property claims of American 
     citizens this aid should not be granted.
       I am one of many U.S. citizens that still have such claims 
     against the Government of Nicaragua and I refuse to see my 
     tax money go to that Government.
       I know that you will not allow such a misallocation of tax 
     revenue occur.
           Sincerely,
                                             Thelma R. Knoepffler.

                                        Altamonte Springs, FL,

                                                   August 1, 1995.
     Hon. Jesse Helms,
     Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Helms: As an American whose property was 
     confiscated by the Nicaraguan government, I appreciate your 
     continued efforts to stop aid to Nicaragua. It is incredible 
     that hundreds of millions of dollars have been given to a 
     government which confiscated the property of U.S. citizens. 
     Thank you for your work in trying to resolve this issue.
           Sincerely,
     Francisco Jose Somarriba.
                                                                    ____



                                              Hattiesburg, MS,

                                                    July 31, 1995.
     Hon. Jesse Helms,
     Chairman, Senate Foreign Relations Committee,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Helms: As an American citizen and in light of 
     the decision made by President Clinton to give aid to the 
     government of Nicaragua, I feel outraged and betrayed with 
     such decision. The government of Nicaragua continues to 
     illegally hold American citizens' properties. My property 
     named ``Nagualapa'' continues to be in the hand of a 
     Salvadorian national, with the blessing of the Nicaraguan 
     government, in spite that the Nicaraguan Judiciary court has 
     already ruled on my favor on three occasions. I strongly feel 
     that as long as the Nicaraguan government maintains its 
     position of indifference and refuses to resolve and return 
     the lands to their lawful owners, no aid must be given to 
     this government. Given this aid only sends a message to the 
     current government that they can hold American citizens 
     hostage to the whims of this government and fearful to make 
     any claims on their properties. Allowing this aid is a slap 
     on the face of all law abiding citizens of this great 
     country.
           Respectfully yours,
     Ernestina S. de Arana.
                                                                    ____



                                                 Bethesda, MD,

                                                    July 31, 1995.
     Re Waiver to Nicaragua a mockery to United States citizens' 
         rights.
     Hon. Jesse Helms,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Helms: President Clinton's decision to grant a 
     waiver to Nicaragua, a country that has repeatedly shown 
     defiance in returning confiscated properties to U.S. citizens 
     as myself, clearly denotes this administration's ignorance of 
     Nicaraguan politics as well as a lack of respect for the 
     rights of U.S. citizens who have suffered by Chamorro's 
     government.
       As stated in previous letters, the Nicaraguan government 
     has not made any efforts at all at resolving claims that have 
     been pending for many years. There is no need for Nicaragua 
     to comply with the devolution of confiscated properties since 
     they know for a fact that not even the United States abides 
     by its own stance of denying aid to countries who confiscate 
     properties of American citizens. If our own government does 
     not follow through, why should they? This is a simple law of 
     behavior, if negative behavior is positively reinforced 
     (money) why should the negative behavior cease?
       I would like to request that Congress and not the President 
     have the authority to grant future waivers to continue 
     foreign aid. President Clinton has consistently demonstrated 
     a profound ignorance in Nicaraguan foreign policy. 
     Unfortunately some of us have to pay dearly for his mistakes. 
     The only consolation is that soon all of us confiscated 
     citizens will certainly know how to vote in the upcoming U.S. 
     presidential elections.
           Sincerely,
                                       Patricia Solorzano Sollock,
     MA, CPC.
                                                                    ____

                                                      Managua,

                                                    July 31, 1995.
     Hon. Jesse Helms,
     Chairman, of Foreign Relations Committee,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Helms: I have been an American citizen for 
     forty years and my husband is an FSO (Foreign Service 
     Officer) already retired, who worked for the State Department 
     abroad for thirty two years. I was confident that my 
     Government was going to back me in my properties' claim. Even 
     though the Nicaraguan Government gave me the resolution 
     wanting to give me bonds, I did not accept them because they 
     are worthless. My property has illegally been taken (my farm 
     Sapoa) by Eduardo Hollmann Chamorro, nephew of Mrs. Violeta 
     Chamorro, President of Nicaragua.
       Thanking you in advance for all you've done for us, 
     American citizens living in Nicaragua, I am,
           Respectfully yours,
     Yolanda Marroquin.
                                                                    ____



                                                   Edison, NJ,

                                                    July 31, 1995.
     Hon. Jesse Helms,
     Chairman, Foreign Relations Committee,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Helms: Although we don't oppose humanitarian 
     aid to the Nicaraguan people, we do object to illegal steps 
     taken by the Administration in granting U.S. aid to the 
     Nicaraguan Government in contradiction to U.S. legislative 
     measures previously taken. Moreover, no verification has been 
     made regarding the pre-requisite set by U.S. Congress to that 
     aid. We not only appreciate but also support wholeheartedly 
     hour fight on behalf of the property rights of Americans in 
     Nicaragua, whose assets have been illegally taken or 
     confiscated.
           Very truly yours,
     Emmade Lugo
                                                                    ____



                                                      Manauga,

                                                    July 31, 1995.
     Hon. Jesse Helms,
     Chairman, Foreign Relations Committee,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Helms: In view of the illegal and unwarranted 
     action taken by the Administration, granting additional help 
     to the Government of Nicaragua, in violation of the terms of 
     the Gonzalez-Helms Amendment to Section 527, I protest 
     against that action and demand that the U.S. Government 
     properly defend the human rights of hundreds of American 
     citizens whose properties have been illegally taken and/or 
     confiscated by the Government of Nicaragua without proper and 
     adequate compensation.
       We greatly appreciate all your noble efforts and urge you 
     to go on working and fighting for your fellow Americans.
           Respectfully yours,
                                                Clarisa C. DeReed.
     
[[Page S 12347]]



                                                      Managua,

                                                    July 30, 1995.
     Hon. Jesse Helms,
     Chairman, Foreign Relations Committee,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Helms: How can my Government give aid to the 
     Nicaraguan Government when most of the properties of U.S. 
     citizens in Nicargua have not been returned?
       I am not opposed to the aid to Nicaragua, but before that 
     aid is given, my Government should be more responsible and 
     make it its business to find out the truth regarding the 
     return of the properties of U.S. citizens.
       Thanking you and your staff for all the help and support 
     you have given us, I remain
           Sincerly yours,
     Paul H. Gulke.
                                                                    ____

                                            San Francisco, CA,

                                                    July 31, 1995.
     Re your letter February 21, 1995.

     Hon. Jesse Helms,
     Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Helms: The Chamorro-Sandinista government in 
     Nicaragua has been unable to resolve my property claim. The 
     government confiscated my properties for the only reason of 
     being an American citizen living in this country since 1970. 
     The following is a list of property claims I have against the 
     Nicaraguan Government.
       1.--Urban lot, part of the urban farm commonly known as 
     ``La China'' with an extension of 27,914.69 varas cuadradas 
     and registered with number 33448, Tomo CDLV, Folio 99/100 
     asiento 2;
       2.--Urban lot, part of the urban farm commonly known as 
     ``La China'' with an extension of 65,134.89 varas cuadradas 
     and registered with number 33448, Tomo CDLV, Folio 92 asiento 
     30;
       3.--Vacant lot located on Barrio Bolonia, olla El Nogal 
     #167, registered with #51576, Tomo DCCLXV, folio 122 asiento 
     3; and
       4.--House located in barrio Monsenor Lazcano, registered 
     with #37750, Tomo DIV, folio 228, asiento 1.
       Senator Helms stand firm. U.S. aid should not be given to 
     Nicaragua until all property claims are solved in a just 
     manner.
           Sincerely,
     Clotilde Carcamo.
                                                                    ____



                                                      Managua,

                                                   August 1, 1995.
     Hon. Jesse Helms,
     Senate Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Helms: We have been astonished to find out 
     that the Nicaraguan Government is receiving United States 
     help, despite their noncompliance to the US Congress mandate 
     to protect and defend all US citizen's property.
       This petition is being sent to you, asking for your 
     continuous effort to intervene before the US Congress, so 
     that the Nicaraguan Government activates the due process of 
     all the US citizens, who are still waiting for a favorable 
     resolution of their confiscated properties.
       You, and your Republican colleagues are the only ones 
     interested in helping American Citizen, confiscated by the 
     Nicaraguan Sandinista Government. Once more, we respectfully 
     ask you, for your help and support.
       After five years of continuous to recuperate our inherited 
     assets, up to now, has not been any success for a positive 
     resolution. Please help us in this regard.
           Sincerely yours,
     Segundo J. Montoya.
     Agnes Montoya.
                                                                    ____



                                                      Managua,

                                                    July 31, 1995.
     Hon. Jesse Helms,
     Chairman, Foreign Relations Committee,
     U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
       Dear Senator Helms: We challenge the appropriateness of the 
     Administration's action, relinquishing US aid funds to the 
     Government of Nicaragua, since it has not been met the 
     requirement established by US law, as to the return of 
     American properties taken or confiscated by the Government of 
     Nicaragua, or adequate compensation being afforded to 
     American citizens. You and the supporters of the Gonzalez-
     Helms Amendment are the only ones to defend the rights of 
     American citizens in Nicaragua and for this reason we 
     entirely back your position and action in this matter.
           Respectfully and gratefully yours,
                                                 Valeria Romion L.

     

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