ABSTRACT
While Washington debated, and Nicaraguans fought, four newly elected Central American presidents stepped between the United States (US) and Nicaragua and searched for a formula that would restore peace and development to the Isthmus. The five Central American presidents arrived in Guatemala on August 6 with the differences between them so deep that there was some question whether they could remain in meetings together for two days. Abrams, who prevailed, recalled the US ambassadors from the five Central American countries to discuss why they had been surprised by the Accord and how it could be blocked without the US getting blamed. Prior to the meeting, the Central Americans asked the four Contadora governments to organize an International Verification and Follow-up Commission to prepare a report on the extent of the five governments' compliance. The decision by the five presidents of Central America to sign the Guatemalan Accord on August 7,1987, was a landmark in Central American history.
