Ortega’s statements put U.S. ties to test
In recent weeks, President Daniel Ortega has accused Washington of terrorism, blasted President Bush as a tyrant, dismissed the Sept. 11 attacks as ”insignificant,” mocked U.S. aid to Nicaragua and warned his police and military not to trust the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Even after Washington sent $1 million and eight U.S. military helicopters as emergency aid after Hurricane Felix slammed Nicaragua earlier this month, Ortega issued only a cursory ”thank you” to the United States and instead praised the ”extraordinary” relief sent by his revolutionary brother in Venezuela, President Hugo Chávez. Full Story