Ortega in Panama, Integrating
Panamanian president Martin Torrijos received Nicaraguan president elect Daniel Ortega, with whom he talked about regional integration and bilateral issues.

Ortega declared in statements to the press that he and Torrijos reviewed projects of political and economic integration.

He also expressed thanks for the Panamanian people s solidarity with Nicaragua during the fight against dictator Anastasio Somoza.

Referring to Managua plans to construct an interoceanic waterway, Ortega said this initiative does not compete with the Panama Canal, on the contrary, it would be a complement.

Ortega assured his government will be ready to maintain normal relations with the United States, but demanded consideration for his country. "We want respect aside from our ideological differences," he said.

Torrijos said that during the meeting, both dignitaries reviewed the Central American agenda, bilateral advances with Nicaragua and the chances of concerting a trade agreement between the region and the European Union.