ambassador's speech

Remarks by Ambassador Robert J. Callahan
U.S. Embassy donation to the Nicaraguan Navy

January 30, 2009
(translation- remarks originally delivered in Spanish)

Greetings General Hallesleavens, invited guests.

I was recently in Bluefields and I can attest to the great job that the members of Nicaragua’s Naval Forces have been doing in the battle against narco-trafficking, human trafficking, and organized crime, in spite of serious financial and technical resource limitations.

During my stay in that beautiful city in Nicaragua’s Caribbean Coast I had the opportunity to speak to various people including politicians, civil society representatives, and members of the indigenous communities who say they are worried about the repercussions of the drug trade in their communities.  One of the top priorities of the United States Government, the Southern Command and its Military Group in Managua is to assist Nicaragua’s Armed Forces in its fight against organized crime.

As a symbol of the positive working relationship between our two armed forces, today, it’s a pleasure to personally deliver to the Nicaraguan Navy, six zodiac boats, six swamp-runners, three electrical generators and other maritime equipment.

All this equipment, valued at over $400,000 is part of the constant and necessary military assistance and support that the government of the United States lends to friendly armies to contribute to their transformation and modernization of abilities to act against the common threats in our hemisphere.

These boats are adept for patrolling coastal and swamp waters in Nicaragua and will allow for better control of your national territory against drug traffickers.  They are also very practical in the fight against illegal fishing, and trafficking of humans or endangered species.

In reality, we are providing efficient aid that is as diverse and versatile as the plethora of threats and challenges of these modern times.

In addition to today’s donation, it is a pleasure to announce that in February, the USS Swift (HSV 2), a twin hulled catamaran High Speed Cargo Vessel, will visit the city of Bluefields. The Swift’s crew will be training members of Nicaragua’s Naval Forces to improve common navigational and maritime practices which will help strengthen regional security.

And our commitment to Nicaragua’s people and its Armed Forces will continue in 2009 with more medical brigades and construction projects.

Right now, we are in the process of reconstructing the Pacific Naval District Wharf and a Civil Defense warehouse for storing equipment and foods needed in case of natural disaster.

Once more, I wish to extend my congratulations to Commander in Chief, General Moises Omar Hallesleavens Acevedo for all the hard work performed by the Armed Forces.  At the same time, I want to reassure you all of our commitment to the continued support for friendly Armed Forces in the region who share our values of democracy, respect for the rule of law, civilian control; and to those who side with the Constitution, transparency and public service.

All of these are values that we share.  And in sharing not only these values, but the daily work of defending this region, our home, we are collectively ensuring a more prosperous and safe future for the coming generations--both Nicaraguan and American.  Thank you.