The chief of the Nicaraguan Army,Gen. Javier Carrion, confirmed Wednesday that the first phase of the destruction of 350 land-air SAM-7 missiles, decided unilaterally by the Nicaraguan government, is to begin in May.

Carrion told reporters that the gradual destruction of these weapons as of May was decided by President Enrique Bolanos and approved by most of the representatives of the National Assembly.

With this measure, Nicaragua becomes a leader in weapons reduction in Central America, within a reasonable balance of strength between the armed forces of the region, he added.

The United States (US) government has been pressing Bolanos to destroy 2,100 portable SAM-7 missiles to prevent them from reaching the hands of international terrorism.

The Nicaraguan Army estimated the destruction of the first 350 missiles, due to end in 2005, would result in a loss of 20 million US dollars.

Carrion said this dismantlement would not seriously affect the capability and quality of the nation's air defense. He hoped that Bolano's decision would be supported by Central American leaders.

Defense Minister Jose Guerra told the press this step was a part of efforts made by the Nicaraguan government to help secure areasonable balance of strengths in Central America.

Source: Xinhua