A grandson of the Nicaraguan military strongman Anastasio Somoza has created a new political party in Nicaragua.

Javier Somoza launched the Nicaraguan Democratic Force at a press conference on Thursday evening.

Despite criticisms of the record of the Somoza dynasty, which ruled Nicaragua for almost five decades until 1979, Javier Somoza said his main aim was to reconcile and unite Nicaraguans.

The new party is expected to gain legal status next week, and intends to fight in local elections and the general elections due in 2001.