ACCESSION
NUMBER:342598
FILE ID:TXT402
DATE:05/05/94
TITLE:NICARAGUAN REBELS DISARM (05/05/94)
TEXT:*94050502.TXT
NICARAGUAN REBELS DISARM
(VOA Editorial) (300)
(Following is an editorial, broadcast by the Voice of America May 5,
reflecting the views of the U.S. government.)
Members of the last major group of contras, the rebel force that fought
against Nicaragua's Marxist Sandinista government in the 1980s, have
disarmed. In exchange for demobilizing, the Nicaraguan government has
granted the rebels amnesty and agreed to provide them with land and to
incorporate some of them into the national police force. The agreement
between the government and the last of the contras brings closer an end to
the insecurity, tragedy and violence in Nicaragua.
The road to national reconciliation in that country has been rocky.
President Violetta Chamorro has faced a daunting array of political,
military and economic problems since the Nicaraguan people elected her in
1990. But as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs
Alexander Watson said in a recent speech in Managua, "In recent weeks, a
fragile optimism has taken hold. It has been heartening to see political
rivals moderate their differences and accept joint responsibility for
ending political disarray. With national elections just two years away,"
said Watson, "1994 is without question a critical year for democratic
consolidation and economic recovery in Nicaragua."
One major issue is the need to assert civilian control over the military and
intelligence services. Lasting reconciliation cannot take place unless the
rule of law and civilian authority over the security forces are securely
established. And only such reconciliation can end Nicaragua's political
violence and polarization and bring about renewed economic growth and
development.
As Ambassador Watson made clear, in its approach to Nicaragua, the United
States will continue to support the democratic process. Ultimately,
however, it is Nicaraguans and only Nicaraguans who can solve their
country's problems.
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