ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on current diplomatic situation because there has been considerable interest in the Contadora negotiations and the prospects for a negotiated solution ever since the Contadora countries set June 6, 1986, as a deadline for completion of negotiations and the signing of a treaty. The status of the Contadora talks is generally known. At the April 5–7, 1986, meeting of the foreign ministers from countries in Central America, Contadora, and the Support Group, the Nicaraguans stood alone. Nicaragua appears to acknowledge that the remaining issues are setting arms and troop levels to restore the regional balance and the regulation of military exercises. The US government has never really explained publicly how the talks broke down and why the renewal of these talks would be of much less transcendental importance than the Sandinistas profess to believe.
