Weekly Report - 3 May 2007

NICARAGUA: Army. The army is the most popular institution in Nicaragua, according to a survey conducted by the national pollster, M & R, with a credibility rating of 71.5%. This puts it more than seven points ahead of the Roman Catholic Church. The held of the army, General Omar Hallesleven, attributed the high vote of confidence to the professionalism of the army and its apolitical stance. In this respect, of course, it differs markedly from the Church, which caused a rumpus recently when Cardinal Miguel Obando Bravo took up a position as head of a national reconciliation committee. The opposition has raised concerns that President Daniel Ortega has not named a defence minister, leading to speculation that he might exercise his position as commander-in-chief of the army to become involved in "Chavista games".

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