Moscow supports Nicaraguan fight with corruption

Moscow welcomes the efforts of Enrique Bolanos's government to eliminate corruption in Nicaragua, said the Russian foreign ministry's official spokesman Alexander Yakovenko on Thursday.

Such crimes as corruption and money laundering do not recognize national borders, may have serious international consequences while nourishing global organized crime, drug trafficking and terrorism, the diplomat pointed out.

"We are ready for comprehensive cooperation with Managua for counteracting these common global challenges," he said.

The November 2001 elections in Nicaragua saw a crushing defeat of the Sandinista party leader Daniel Ortega. The winner of the election campaign, 73-year-old Enrique Bolanos, who had been served two terms in prison for criticizing the Sandinista regime, promised to fight with corruption and poverty.

His primary task was to override the economic crisis in the country, where the annual per capita income totaled $430.