Hostage hope in Nicaragua

MANAGUA (AFP) - Two high-level commissions were set up to try to negotiate the release of almost 90 hostages being held by left- and right-wing guerrilla groups. The commissions were established after government leaders, former president Daniel Ortega and a 14-party opposition coalition signed an agreement calling on all parties to release their hostages unconditionally. Sandinistas stormed the National Opposition Union HQ on Friday, taking 50 people hostage, including Vice-President Virgilio Godoy. They demanded the release of 37 government officials seized a day earlier by Contra guerrillas.