Speculation is rife that Ma may have to cancel his visit to Managua after he turned down a meeting in San Salvador with Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega.

The Nicaraguan president changed his scheduled meeting with Ma twice while they were both attending the inauguration of Salvadoran President Mauricio Funes. Ma refused to meet Ortega who wanted to defer the appointment again.

“We don't think that would affect President Ma's schedule to go to Managua,” one MOFA source said.

As a matter of fact, the source said, Mrs. Ortega told Ma on June 2 her husband welcomes his visit to Nicaragua. Their meeting at San Salvador was cancelled on June 1.

“Later, President Ma talked with President Ortega, who expressed his welcome,” the source said.

Ma is scheduled to leave for Panama City at the end of this month to attend the inauguration of Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli on July 1.

From Panama, President Ma will proceed to Managua for a state visit to Nicaragua.