Commentary: The Arias Plan: The Evidence Is In

THE Democratic-controlled Congress denies military aid to the Nicaraguan freedom-fighters, Sandinista troops attack across an international border, Ortega first denies and then admits this fact. March 1988? Yes, but this all happened before as well—in March 1986. That time around the President finally won the Contra-aid vote. This year the Democrats are using the Arias “peace process” as the pretext for opposing the President. But does the Arias plan still exist?

The key provisions of the Arias plan required all signatories to assure civil rights, freedom of speech and association, amnesty for all political prisoners, and free elections. The plan called for a ceasefire within each country, requiring each government to negotiate with the armed insurgency on its territory. It required full compliance with all provisions by November 5, 1987.

CM

About the Author

Constantine C. Menges

Featured Tags

THE Democratic-controlled Congress denies military aid to the Nicaraguan freedom-fighters, Sandinista troops attack across an international border, Ortega first denies and then admits this fact. March 1988? Yes, but this all happened before as well—in March 1986. That time around the President finally won the Contra-aid vote. This year the Democrats are using the Arias “peace process” as the pretext for opposing the President. But does the Arias plan still exist?

The key provisions of the Arias plan required all signatories to assure civil rights, freedom of speech and association, amnesty for all political prisoners, and free elections. The plan called for a ceasefire within each country, requiring each government to negotiate with the armed insurgency on its territory. It required full compliance with all provisions by November 5, 1987.