Special Report The Nicaraguan No. 126 Peace Process: A Documentary Record

April 1985

United States Department of State Bureau of Public Affairs Washington, D.C.

CONTENTS

2 lntrodnction 8 Initial Regional Support 8 President Duarte of El 2 The Contadora Framework Salvador, April 4, 1985 2 Contadora Document of Objec- 8 President Betancur of Colom- tives, September 9. 1983 bia, April 5 and 7, 1985 3 Nicaraguan Calls for Dialogue 8 President Suazo of Honduras. April 8, 1985 3 Pastoral Letter on Reconcilia- tion From the Nicaraguan 9 President de la Madrid of Bishops, April 22, 1984 Mexico, April 8, 1985 4 Statement of the Coordinadora 9 President Barletta of Panama, Democratica Nicaraguense, April 10, 1985 February 22, 1985 9 President Lusinchi of 5 Document on National Dialogue Venezuela, April 10, 1985 of the Nicaraguan Resistance, 9 President Febres Cordero of March l, 1985 Ecuador, April 10, 1985 6 Communique of the Nicaraguan 9 President Monge of Costa Rica, Episcopal Conference, April 10, 1985 March 22, 1985 9 President Alfonsin of Argen- tina, April 11, 1985 7 President Reagan's Proposal 7 Remarks by President Reagan, 9 Chronology April 4, 1985 10 Additional References Introduction The self-determination of peoples; operations and pursuing policies of Non-intervention; destabilization against others; The Contadora process had as one of its The sovereign equality of States; The need for concerted political ~{­ agreed objectives "to promote national The peaceful settlement of disputes; forts 'in order to encourage dialogue and reconciliation efforts wherever deep divi­ Refraining from the threat or use of understanding in Central America, sions have taken place within society, force; avert the danger of a general spreading with a view to fostering participation in Respect of the territorial integrity of of the conflicts, and set in motion the democratic political processes." States; machinery needed to ensure the peaceful Nicaragua is one of the signatories. Pluralism in its various manifesta­ coexistence and security of their An internal dialogue to promote na­ tions; peoples; tional reconciliation has been a central Ji,ull support for democra,tic institu­ feature of President Duarte's policy in tions; Declare their intention of El Salvador, where four competitive na­ The promotion of social justice; achieving the following objectives: tionwide elections have been held in 3 International co-operation for To promote detente and put an end years. development; to situations of conflict in the area, The establishment of an effective Respect .for and promotion of hu,man restraining from taking any action that dialogue for national reconciliation has rights; might jeopardize political confidence or been a critical necessity in Nicaragua The prohibition of terrorism and obstruct the achievement of peace, ever since the failure to establish a subversion; security and stability in the region; working democracy, perhaps the fun­ To ensure strict compliance with the damental objective of the revolution aforementioned principles of interna­ against the Somoza dictatorship. tional law, whose violators will be held This special report provides basic We want to help opposition accountable; documentation concerning the groups join the political proc­ To respect and ensure the exercise of Nicaraguan peace process, including the ess in all countries and com­ h:uman, political, civil, economic, social, Contadora framework, the proposals of pete by ballots instead of religious and cultural rights; the Nicaraguan Catholic bishops and the bullets. To adopt measures conducive to the various opposition groups, and the posi­ establishment and, where appropriate, tions taken since by President Reagan President Reagan, improvement of democratic, represent­ and leaders in the region itself. l\pril 27, 1983 at1:1Je and pluralistic systems that will guarantee effective popular participation in the decis'ion-making process and en­ sure that the various currents of opinion The Contadora Framework The desire to reconstruct the Cen­ have free access to fair and regular elec­ tral American homeland through pro­ tions based on the .fUll observance of gressive integration of its economic, The Contadora negotiations involve five citizens' rights; legal and social institutions; To promote nat'ional reconciliation Central American countries (Costa Rica, The need for economic co-operation El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and e.ffOrts wherever deep divisions have among the States of Central America so taken place within society, with a vieu; to Nicaragua) and the four members of the as to make a fundamental contribution Contadora Group (Colombia, Mexico, fostering participat1:on in democratic to the development of their peoples and political processes in accordance with the Panama, and Venezuela). the strengthening of their independence; The text of the basic negotiating ob­ law; The undertaking to establ·ish, pro­ To create political conditions in­ jectives agreed to by all nine Contadora mote or revitalize representative, countries is reprinted below. Three of tended to ensure the international democratic systems in all the countries security, integrity and sovereignty of the the 21 objectives deal with the centrality of the region; of democracy and internal reconciliation State of the region; The unjust economic, social and To stop the arms race in all its to the resolution of conflict in Central political structures which exacerbate the America. forms and begin negotiations for the conflicts in Central America; control and reduction of current stocks The urgent need to put an end to of weapons and on the number of armed the tensions and lay the foundations for Contadora Document of Objectives 1 troops; understanding and solidarity among the To prevent the installation on their countries of the area; territory of foreign military bases or any Considering: The arms race and the growing The situation prevailing in Central other type of foreign military in­ arms traffic in Central America, which terference; America, which is characterized by an aggravate political relations in the atmosphere of tension that threatens rro conclude agreements to reduce region and divert economic resources the presence of foreign military advisers security and peaceful coexistence in the that could be used for development; region, and which requires, for its solu­ and other foreign elements involved in The presence of foreign advisers and military and security activities, with a tion, observance of the principles of in­ other forms of foreign military in­ ternational law governing the actions of view to their elimination; terference in the zone; States, especially: To establish internal control The risks that the territory of Cen­ machinery to prevent the traffic in arms tral American States may be used for from the territory of any country in the 1Empha..ses added. the purpose of conducting military region to the territory of another; To eliminate the traffic in arms, whether within the region or from out­ side it, intended for persons, organiza-

2 tions or groups seeking to destabilize the Contadora Group, have begun negotia­ dialogue in a joint statement signed in Governments of Central American coun­ tions with the aim of preparing for the San Jose, Costa Rica, on March 1, 1985. tries; conclusion of the agreements and the On March 22, the Bishops' Council To prevent the use of their own ter­ establishment of machinery necessary to then reemphasized its availability to ritory by persons, organizations or formalize and develop the objectives con­ mediate among an Nicaraguans without groups seeking to destabilize the tained in this document, and to bring exception or favoritism. Governments of Central American coun­ about the establishment of appropriate tries and to refuse to provide them with verification of monitoring systems. To or permit them to receive military or that end, account will be taken of the Pastoral Letter on Reconciliation logistical support; initiatives put forward at the meetings From the Nicaraguan Bishops, 1'o refrain from inciting or support­ convened by the Contadora Group. April 22, 1984 ing acts of terrorism, subversion or Panama City, 9 September 1983 sabotage in the countries in the area; To the priests and deacons in our To establish and co-ordinate direct dioceses: communication systems with a view to To members of religious orders: preventing or, where appropriate, set­ Nicaraguan Calls for Dialogue To catechists and bearers of the tling incidents between States of the Word: region; To our brothers and sisters in the The peace process in Nicaragua is apostolic lay movements: To continue humanitarian aid aimed framed by the four documents excerpted To principals, teachers, and students at helping Central American refugees below. in Catholic schools: who have been displaced from their The Nicaraguan bishops' 1984 To all our beloved faithful: countries of origin, and to create Easter Pastoral took stock of the suitable conditions for the voluntary worsening conflict inside Nicaragua and Grace and peace from God our repatriation of such refugees, in con­ its spillover into neighboring countries in Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. sultation with or with the co-operation Central America. The bishops called for of the United Nations High Commis­ Dear brothers and sisters: a dialogue among ~'all Nicaraguans in­ sioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other side and outside the country . . . [in­ At this solemn Easter celebration, international agencies deemed ap­ cluding] Nicaraguans who have taken up the ultimate expression of God's love for propriate; arms against the government." mankind through the redemption, we in­ 'fo nndertake economic and social After the elections of November 4, vite you to share more fully in the development programs with the aim of 1984, had failed to provide either free spiritual wealth of the Holy Year, which promoting well being and an equitable competition or reconciliation, the inter- will be extended in Nicaragua by a distribution of wealth; special concession from Pope John To revitalize and restore economic Paul JI until June 17, 1984, the feast of integration machinery in order to attain the Holy Trinity. sustained development on the basis of If Managua proves responsive This extension and the urgent need solidarity and mutual advance; to serious negotiations, hopeful in our society for sincere and brotherly To negotiate the provision of exter­ reconciliation through individual conver­ nal monetary resources which will pro­ vistas open up for the sion have moved us to send you this vide additional means of financing the beleaguered peoples of Central exhortation .... resumption of intra-regional trade, meet America, including those of the serious balance-of-payments prob­ Nicaragua. ... We prefer to II. OUR SITUA1'ION lems, attract funds for working capital, support programs to extend and restruc­ resolve the conflicts in the 1. The Problem of Sin in the World region peacefully. ture production systems and promote Pope John Paul II, in his message mediwn- and long-term investment National Bipartisan for the 17th World Day of Prayer for projects; Commission Peace on January 1, 1984, expressed his To negotiate better and broader ac­ on Central America, concern about the current world situa­ cess to international markets in order to January 10, 1984 tion, a concern which we, too, share: increase the volume of trade between "Peace is truly precarious, and injustice the countries of Central America and the rest of the world, particularly the in­ abounds. Relentless warfare is occurring dustrialized countries; by means of a in many countries, continuing on and on revision of trade practices, the elimina­ nal political resistance-in a Februafy despite the proliferation of deaths, tion of tariff and other barriers and the statement issued by the Coordinadora, mourning, and destruction, without any achievement of the price stabilify at a Democratica Nicaraguense-reaffirmed apparent progress toward a solution: It profitable and fair level for the products its interest in genuine dialogue. is often the innocent who suffer, V.'h1le passions become inflamed and there is exported by ~he countries of the region; While some resistance leaders, the risk that fear will lead to an extreme T? establish technical co-operation notably Sandinista hero Eden Pastora, machinery for the planning program­ continued to stress the need for armed situation." ming and implementation of multi­ struggle as the only way to end the sectoral investment and trade promotion betrayal of the revolution to the Soviet projects. Union and Cuba, important leaders from The Ministers for Foreign Affairs of both the political and the armed the Central American COlU1tries, with resistance came together to call for the participation of the countries in the

3 2. In Nicaragua Ill. RESPONSE OF THE CHURCH ness to respect and harmony, in a climate conducive to true and objective A. Belligerent Situat'ion: 1. Conversion and Reconciliation .... deliberation on our problems and a pru­ Our country, too, is plagued by a 2. Confession: the path to dent search for solutions. The solution is belligerent situation pitting Nicaraguan conversion .... reconciliation (cf. John Paul II, Peace against Nicaraguan, and the conse­ and Reconciliation. Address by the Pope 3. Dialogue: quences of this situation could not be in El Salvador, March 6, 1983). sadder: The road to social peace is possible If we are not open to objective through dialogue, sincere dialogue that acknowledgement of our situation and • Many Nicaraguan youths and men seeks truth and goodness. "That the events that distress our people are dying on the battlefields. [dialogue] must be a meaningful and ideologically, politically, and militarily, • Many others look toward the generous offer of a meeting of good in­ then we are not prepared, in a true and future with the fear of seeing their own tentions and not a possible justification Christian way, for reconciliation for the lives prematurely ended. for continuing to foment dissension and sake of the real, living wholeness of our • A materialistic and atheistic violence." (John Paul II, Greeting to nation. educational system is undermining the Nicaragua, March 4, 1983) Considering that freedom of speech consciences of our children. is a vital part of the dignity of a human • Many families are divided by being, and as such is indispensable to political differences. the well-being of the nation inasmuch as • The suffering of mothers who a country progresses only when there is have lost their children, which should If we do not sit down to talk, to try to find solutions to our freedom to generate new ideas, the right merit our great respect, is instead ex­ to free expression of one's ideas must be ploited to incite hatred and feed the problems in civilized ways, recognized. desire for vengeance. with talks ... the flow of blood The great powers, which are in­ • Farmworkers and Indians, for will continue. .. . volved in this problem for ideological or whom the Church reserves a special economic reasons, must leave the love, are suffering, living in constant Archbishop of Managua Nicaraguans free from coercion .... anxiety, and many of them are forced to Obando y Bravo, April 7, 1985 Done at Managua, April 22, Easter abandon their homes in search of a Sunday, 1984 (to be read and published peace and tranquility that they do not in the usual manner), Episcopal Con­ find. ference of Nicaragua. • Some of the mass media, using the language of hate, encourage a spirit It is dishonest to constantly blame Pablo A. Vega of violence. internal agression and violence on Bishop of .Juigalpa President B. The Church: foreign agression. It is useless to blame the evil past Miguel Obando Bravo One, albeit small, sector of our for everything without recognizing the Archbishop of Managua Church has abandoned ecclesiastical problems of the present. Leovigildo Lopez Fitoria unity and surrendered to the tenets of a All Nicaraguans inside and outside Bishop of Granada materialistic ideology. This sector sows the country must participate in this Salvador Schlaeffer B. confusion inside and outside Nicaragua dialogue, regardless of ideology, class, Bishop of Bluefields through a campaign extolling its own or partisan belief. Furthermore, we Pedro L. Vilchez V. ideas and defaming the legitimate think that Nicaraguans who have taken Prelate of Jinotega pastors and the faithful who follow up arms against the Government must them. Censorship of the media makes it Bosco Vivas Rabelo also participate in this dialogue. If not, Assistant Bishop of Managua impossible to clarify the positions and there will be no possibility of a settle­ Secretary offer other points of view. ment, and our people, especially the Julian Barni poorest among them, will continue to 3. Foreign interference Bishop of Leon suffer and die. Ruben Lopez Ardon Foreign powers take advantage of The dialogue of which we speak is Bishop of Esteli not a tactical truce to strengthen posi­ our situation to encourage economic and Carlos Santi ideological exploitation. They see us as tions for further struggle but a sincere Bishop of Matagalpa support for their power, without respect effort to seek appropriate solutions to for our persons, our history, our culture, the anguish) pain, exhaustion, and and our right to decide our own destiny. fatigue of the many, many people who Statement of the Coordinadora Consequently, the majority of the long for peace, the many, many people Democratica Nicaraguense, Nicaraguan people live in fear of their who want to live, to rise from the ashes, February 22, 1985 present and uncertainty of their future. to see the warmth of a smile on a child's They feel deep frustration, clamor for face, far from terror, in a climate of The Coordinadora Dmnocratica peace and freedom. Yet their voices are democratic harmony. Nicaraguense (Nicaraguan Democratic not heard, muted by belligerent prop­ The terrible chain of reactions in­ Coordinating Board) wishes to make the aganda on all sides .... herent in friend-enemy dialectics is following known to the people of halted by the word of God, who Nicaragua and the free peoples of the demands that we love even our enemies world: and that we forgive them. He urges us to move from distrust.. and aggressive-

4 The situation in Nicaragua is It shares the people's suffering and their Document on National Dialogue deteriorating daily and has reached a yearning for freedom, which has of the Nicaraguan Resistance, state of true anguish. The people are strengthened its moral authority, and it March 1, 1985 suffering because there is a shortage of enjoys the absolute confidence of all sec­ food and the salaries are low; there is no tors. We, democratic citizens, representatives work, no medicine, no gasoline, no We therefore respectfully invite the of all sectors of the Nicaraguan candles, no toilet paper, no toothpaste, Episcopal Conference of Nicaragua to Resistance, announce to the Nicaraguan no spare parts. The people are suffering convoke such a dialogue without delay, people, to the governments and peoples because their children are receiving an providing for the representation of all of the Americas and of the world, the education that can be more accurately Nicaraguans. In addition we request of following manifesto: described as Marxist-Leninist political the bishops that the dialogue sponsored indoctrination. Day and night, young by them be attended by guarantors The Present Situation of Nicaragua people live with the fear that they will whose presence would endorse the com­ be unexpectedly detained and sent to mitments made to the Nicaraguan peo­ In recent years, the Sandinista Front perform military service in which they ple. has submerged our people in a crisis do not believe because it is identified An honest desire to hold such a without precedent in our national with the interests of the party. Conse­ dialogue should be demonstrated in ad­ history. quently, some choose to leave Nicaragua vance by halting armed actions and lift­ At this time, the impact of this crisis and others join the ranks of the armed ing the state of emergency for a is evident in the economic, political, resistance. reasonable period of time during which social and moral spheres of the nation. Just as our 1978-79 civil war was the dialogue should produce results; This situation is rooted both in the basically the result of the political in­ through a decree providing for general abandonment of the original Program of transigence of the Somoza dictatorship, amnesty as well as complete and effec­ Government and the Fnndamental the current civil war, and most of the tive pardons; and through absolute Statute as well as in the interference other evils afflicting the Nicaraguan peo­ respect for freedom of expressions, of the Soviet bloc in our internal ple, are basically the result of the intran­ association, and assembly, as well as the affairs.... sigence of the FSLN [Sandinista Na­ rights set forth in the laws on amparo The solution to the national crisis tional Liberation Front], which has and habeas corpus .... can only be found through a genuine adopted a Marxist-Leninist program and The anguish, the misery, the uncer­ understanding among all Nicaraguans departed from the original plan. Approx­ tainty, and the frustration of the that might end the civil war and lead to imately six years under the FSLN Nicaraguan people all call for national the reconciliation of the Nicaraguan government have shown that it has not, dialogue. Let us heed that call. family. to date, brought about liberation, as its name suggests, but rather burdens and subjugation. ... A successful solution will not be The proposal [of the opposition, issued on March 1} offers more attained piecemeal or through separate than a chance for national reconciliation. It lets Nicaraguans dialogues involving the government and remove their fate from foreign hands and restore it to the farmers, the government and the cattle ranchers, or the government and Nicaraguan hands alone. the labor sector or even from dialogues Washington Post Editorial, with foreign governments. A compre­ March 17, 1985 hensive, fundamental solution [could] come about through a consensus be­ tween all Nicaraguans on a political, social, economic, moral, and human pro­ Members of the Coordinadora We wish to emphasize that this ini­ gram for a new Nicaragua based on Democratica Nicaraguense tiative is not taken to search for a quota democracy sustained in freedom. CTN: Central de las Traba­ of power, but rather it seeks only to ... We know that the number of jadores Nicaraguenses establish in Nicaragua the rule of law citizens who no longer expect anything (Nicaraguan Workers which will permit the people to live from such a civilized solution is con­ Central) in peace and to go about resolving our tinually growing because previous at­ problems within a new constitutional CUS: tempts at dialogue have shown that Confederacion de la order.... (Con­ when the FSLN suggests such a course Unidad Sindical Therefore, in view of the gravity of federation of Labor Unity) of action it is doing so, not with the the moment, and conscious of our civic honest desire to negotiate, but rather PLC: Partido L·iberal Constitu­ responsibilities and of the urgent need to for the sole purpose of simulating ciona.lista (Liberal Con­ save our people from greater suffering, democratic forms of government for stitutionalist Party) we accept the call of the Nicaraguan foreign consumption. Nevertheless, we Democratic Coordinating Board and believe that there is still a way to bring PSD: Partido Social exhort the Sandinista Front, for the last about the honest, sincere and effective Democratico (Social time, and in definitive and abs?lute Democratic Party) dialogue that we are seeking and we fashion, to participate in a nati?nal dialogue which will end the nat10nal suggest that the most promising way to COSEP: Consejo Superior de la bring it about would be to have it con­ Empresa Privada crisis. This dialogue should follow these voked, organized, and coordinated by (Superior Private Enter­ modalities: the Episcopal Conference of Nicaragua. prise Council) PSC: Partido Social Cristano (Social Christian Party)

5 Convocation sion of armed activities, with a ceasefire tional dialogue has not begun or has not in situ; lifting of the state of emergency; progTessed in clear and substantial form, The Nicaraguan Bishops Conference is absolute freedom of expression and it will be definitely suspended by the the entity with the necessary moral assembly; general amnesty and pardon Nicaraguan Resistance, thereby ter­ authority to organize and coordinate the for political crimes and related crimes; minating the possibilities for a peaceful national dialogue. In this regard, we entry into effect of the right of protec­ resolution of the national crisis. reiterate the petition made to it by the tive legal procedure (amparo) and habeas If the Nicar.aguan Bishops Con­ Democratic Coordinating Board to con­ corpus, adding the granting of full pro­ ference considers it useful to hold con­ vene the national dialogue. tection of the physical and moral integri­ versations with this group for purposes ty of those members of the resistance of preparations leading to the speedy Participants who participate in the dialogue, in the realization of the dialogue, we announce In order that the dialogue be efficient event that it should take place in our immediate availability to participate and produce the desired results, it is Nicaragua. in such conversations. 'fo that end we necessary to structure it in accordance The application of these measures appoint as our representatives Messrs. with Nicaraguan reality. There are two should be carried out under the supervi­ Arturo J. Cruz, Alfonso Robelo and political tendencies in Nicaragua: the sion of the guarantor governments. Adolfo Calero. totalitarian one which for the moment May love for our fatherland over­ has accepted the Sandinista Front as its come selfishness and foreign involve­ ment) so that the National Directorate of the Sandinista Front will respond positively to this our last effort to grant Wide possibilities are opening up for a political solution with the to our country a civilized solution. participation of all the sectors of the Nicaraguan population. The God Save Nicaragua! example that President Jose Napoleon Duarte gave when he ac­ cepted dialogue in El Salvador is relevant to the current [Signed in San Jose, Costa Rica, March 1, 1985, by Arturo J. Cruz, Alfonso Rabelo, Nicaraguan picture. Adolfo Calero P ., Fernando Chamorro, Pedro Carlos Andres Perez, J, Chamorro, Fernando Abruero, Indalecio Vice President of the Socialist Rodriguez, Carlos Coronel Kautz, Leonel International and former Poveda S., Claudio Picasso, Jose Luis Velas­ President of Venezuela, quez, Benjamin Gallo Lacayo, Jaime Morales January 6, 1985 C., Zacarias Hernandez, Jose Molina, Ulises Fonseca, Felix P. Pastora G., Federico Arguello S., Donald Lacayo N., Jairo Sanchez, Luz Marina Smith.] vanguard, and the democratic one which 'femporary Permanence of the is divided into armed organizations and Executive Communique of the civilian organizations; therefore, the If this dialogue is carried out, we pledge Nicaraguan Episcopal Conference, dialogue should be between these two to accept that Mr. Daniel Ortega con­ March 22, 1985 political tendencies so that both can tinue acting as head of the Executive name their respective delegates, as Branch until such time as the people The bishops of the Nicaraguan Episcopal many as the Bishops Conference feels is pronounce themselves in a plebiscite. Conference after holding a regular appropriate. During this period, Mr. Ortega should meeting at our Episcopal House in Managua to meditate, in light of the Observers and Guarantors govern in fulfillment of the promises of the Nicaraguan Revolutionary Govern­ Gospel, on the painful current situation We suggest to the Bishops Conference ment Junta contained in the document in Nicaragua, wish to inform our faithful that it request the participation of the of July 12, 1979 transmitted to the people and all men of good will of the Central American governments in the Secretary General of the Organization of following: dialogue as guarantors of the American States, and in fulfillment of 1. We bishops feel as our own the agreements which may be reached, the original Program of Government, pain and suffering of all Nicaraguans, given the fact that our fellow Central the Fundamental Statute and the without any exceptions. Americans are, in the final analysis, American Human Rights Convention or 2. While we pray to our Lord Jesus those which have been most directly af­ Pact of San Jose .... Christ and to his Holy Mother for our fected by the Nicaraguan crisis. brothers in the countryside and in the The presence of these governments cities, we would like to cooperate, on the as guarantors in no way hinders the Initiation of the National Dialogue, Instrumentation and Deadlines basis of our pastoral mission as con­ presence as observers or even as ciliators, in seeking solutions to put an guarantors of other governments and In order to carry out the national end to so much pain and so many tears. democratic entities of the American dialogue proposed by the Democratic 3. It should be understood that this continent. Coordinating Board, on the basis of the line of pastora1 concern should include statements contained in this document, all our meetings or talks, be it with the Minimum Requirements and conscious of the Leninist tactic of Nicaraguan Government, or with any We support fully the minimum re­ stalling in order to consolidate the other person or organized sector in quirements demanded by the Democratic totalitarian program of the Sandinista Nicaragua. Coordinating Board in order to initiate Front, said dialogue must begin by the national dialogue. They are: suspen- March 20, 1985. This date cannot be postponed. lf by April 20, 1985 the na-

6 4. We feel that under the current The members of the democratic complished this without bipartisan sup­ circumstances, everything stated in our resistance offered a cease-fire in return port in Congress, backed up by the Na­ pastoral letter of 22 April 1984 is still for an agreement by the Nicaraguan tional Bipartisan Commission on Central valid, particularly in relation to the regime to begin a dialogue mediated by America, headed by Henry Kissinger. dialogue as the path toward conciliation. the Bishops' Conference of the Roman And that's why, after months of con­ 5. Under the conviction that violence Catholic Church with the goal of restor­ sulting with congressional leaders and will never solve a problem from its ing dernocracy through honest elections. listening carefully to their concerns, I roots, we express our willingness to To date, the Nicaraguan regime has am making the following proposal: I'm mediate in an internal dialogue, as long refused this offer. calling upon both sides to lay down their as the following points are clear: A. The church cannot impose a dialogue. B. A dialogue must be accepted by What matters is the commitment to democratic institutions both sides. governed by regular popular elections. Unlike the guerrillas in El C. Our stance must not be inter­ Salvador, we are not demanding power, we are demanding only preted as a political position in favor of our rights . ... we want a constitutional solution. a specific party or ideology. Arturo Cruz, Sr. and Jr., We urge Catholic Church members March 18, 1985 to work hard at becoming promoters of peace and conciliation in their homes, and we urge our brothers suffering in one way or the other to share their pain The Central American countries, in­ arms and accept the offer of church­ with Jesus Christ, in order to obtain cluding Nicaragua, have agreed that in­ mediated talks on internationally super­ forgiveness and achieve harmony among ternal reconciliation is indispensable to vised elections and an end to the repres­ Nicaraguans. regional peace. But we know that, unlike sion now in place against the church, the [Signed in Managua by Msgr. Bosco President Duarte of El Salvador who press, and individual rights. Vivas Robelo, Managua's Auxiliary seeks a dialogue with his opponents, the To the members of the democratic Bishop and Secretary of the Nicaraguan communists in Nicaragua have turned, resistance, I ask them to extend their of­ Episcopal Conference.] at least up until now, a cold shoulder to fer of a cease-fire until June 1. appeals for national reconciliation from To the Congress, I ask for im· the Pope and the Nicaraguan bishops. mediate release of the $14 million President Reagan's Proposal And we know that without incentives, already appropriated. While the cease­ none of this will change. fire offer is on the table, I pledge these "In a sincere effort to start a dialogue For these reasons, great numbers of funds will not be used for arms or muni­ aimed at true internal reconciliation Nicaraguans are demanding change and tions. These funds will be used for food, which can bring peace and liberty to taking up arms to fight for the stolen clothing, and medicine and other support Nicaragua" (Radio address April 6, promise of freedom and democracy. for survival. The democratic opposition 1985), President Reagan on April 4, Over 15,000 farmers, small merchants, cannot be a partner in negotiations 1985, added his prestige to the building whites, blacks, and Miskito Indians have without these basic necessities. Nicaraguan peace process. united to struggle for a true democracy. If the Sandinistas accept this peace The President's proposal made clear We supported democracy in offer, I will keep my funding restrictions that because U.S. support for the Nicaragua before, and we support in effect. But peace negotiations must Nicaraguan resistance had peace and democracy today. We supported national not become a cover for deception and democracy as its priority objectives, that reconciliation before, and we support it delay. If there is no agreement after 60 support would be treated as part of the today. We believe that democracy days of negotiations, I will lift these peace process. deserves as much support in Nicaragua restrictions, unless both sides ask me as it has received in El Salvador. And not to. we're proud of the help that we've given I want to emphasize that consistent Remarks by President Reagan, to El Salvador. with the 21 goals of the Contadora proc­ April 4, 1985 You may recall that in 1981, we ess, the United States continues to seek: were told that the communist guerrillas Nicaragua's implementation of its were mounting a final offensive, the 1. I want to annonnce today a proposal for commitment to democracy made to the peace in Central America that can government had no chance, and Our ap­ proach would lead to greater American Organization of American States; enable liberty and democracy to prevail 2. An end to Nicaragua's aggression in this troubled region and that can pro­ involvement. Well, our critics were wrong. Democracy and freedom are win­ against its neighbors; tect the security of our own borders, 3. A removal of the thousands of ning in El Salvador. President Duarte is economy, and people. Soviet-bloc, Cuban, PLO [Palestine On March 1 in San Jose, Costa Rica, pulling his country together and enjoys wide support from the people. And all of Liberation Organization], Libyan, and the leaders of the Nicaraguan demo­ other military and security personnel; cratic resistance met with a broad coali­ this with America's help kept strictly limited. and tion of other exiled Nicaraguan 4. A return of the Nicaraguan democrats. They agreed upon and The formula that worked in El Salvador-support for democracy, self­ military to a level of parity with their signed a historic proposal to restore neighbors. peace and democracy in their country. defense, economic development, and dialogue-will work for the entire region. And we couldn't have ac-

7 Now, later today, I will be meeting Initial Regional Support build a broad barrier to such activities­ with Arturo Cruz, Adolfo Calero, and efforts which a small country like El Alfonso Robelo [leaders of the - The President's Easter peace proposal Salvador cannot take in its own behalf. Nicaraguan opposition] to discuss my focused attention on the need for Please accept my personal thanks proposal. Democracy is the road to dialogue as essential to peace in Central for this courageous step and my best peace. But if we abandon the brave America. wishes to you and your family. members of the democratic resistance, we will also remove all constraints on Sincerely, the communists. President Duarte of El Salvador: JOSE NAPOLEON DUARTE Democracy can succeed in Central President of the Republic of America, but Congress must release the Letter to President Reagan, El Salvador April 4, 1985 funds that can create incentives for San Salvador. dialogue and peace. If we provide too lit­ tle help, our choice will be a communist Dear Mr. President: Central America with communist I want to thank you most sincerely President Betancur of Colombia: subversion spreading southward and and warmly for your letter delivered to northward. We face the risk that 100 me today which explains your new peace Press Conference, April 5, 1985 million people from Panama to our open initiative in Nicaragua and Central The step the President of the United southern border could come under the America. Your initiative and approach States has taken fits perfectly within the control of pro-Soviet regimes and have my complete support and I strong­ philosophy and within the reach of the threaten the United States with ly urge all of the friends of Central Document of Objectives which the coun­ violence, economic chaos, and a human America in your Congress to give it tries of Central America freely tidal wave of refugees. their full backing. It is the right step at signed .... the right time in our quest for peace and democracy in this region. We appreciate Address to Nation, April 7, 1985 as well your continuing strong support I am in agreement with the President in We strongly support President for democracy in El Salvador. seeking a dialogue between the San­ Duarte's dialogue with As you know, the Salvadoran people dinista government and the opposition Salvadoran guerrillas. The have just been to the polls for the fourth especially the Coordinadora lack of a parallel development time in three years. While we do not yet Democratica-all within the spirit of in Nicaragua was 1984's major have the official results, the apparent Contadora which seeks national recon­ significant victory of my government ciliations and for which the President disappointment. and my party is, in my opinion, first and confirmed to me his support. Secretary Shultz, foremost an endorsement of the efforts Special Report No. 124, we have made, with the help of the peo­ April 1985 ple and government of the United President Suazo of Honduras: States, to bring peace, reconciliation and democracy to our own country through Letter to President Reagan, an internal dialogue. We believe our ap­ April 8, 1985 Central America is not condemned proach of opening such a dialogue and to that dark future of endless violence. offering a full opportunity to all of our Dear Mr. President: If the United States meets its obliga­ Salvadoran brothers to participate in a I have received your kind com­ tions to help those now striving for free and constitutional democratic proc­ munication of April 4 by which you democracy, they can create a bright ess in our country should also be offered brought to my attention the efforts that future in which peace for all Americans to all of those who are struggling for the Government of the United States is will be secure. democracy in Nicaragua. I speak for all making with the purpose of strengthen­ So, in the spirit of Easter, let us Salvadorans in warmly applauding your ing democratic institutions in Nicaragua make this so. I look forward to working efforts. and supporting a dialogue between the with the Congress on this important We remain concerned, as we have opposition forces and the Sandinista matter in the coming weeks. been for some time, by the continuing government with the mediation of the flow of supplies and munitions from Catholic Church in that country. Nicaragua to guerrilla forces here in El Since the month of June 1983, when Salvador which are fighting against rny my government actively participated in government and our programs of the drafting of a document known as reform, democracy, reconciliation, and "Bases for Peace in Central America," peace. This continuing intervention in Honduras has firmly supported actions our internal affairs is of great concern intended to put an end to the armed to us and we deeply appreciate any ef­ conflicts being experienced in some Cen­ forts which your government can take to tral American countries. We have sup­ ported actions of national reconciliation, dialogue, and the free manifestation of popular will as ways which could lead to

8 the establishment of authentic demo­ pleasure with the support President Chronology cratic, pluralistic, and representative in­ Reagan is giving to the Contadora stitutions in all of the countries in our Group's effort. region. June 1979 In this sense, your initiative has the Anti-Somoza opposition issues com­ enormous merit of supporting negoti­ President Lusinchi of Venezuela: munique from San Jose, Costa Rica, ated solutions to the Central American Press Conference, New York, promising first free Nicaraguan elections crisis and at the same time positively April 10, 1985 in 100 years. supporting the efforts of the Nicaraguan Resolution of 17th Meeting of Con­ people to find peace in democracy. We believe that [President Reagan's pro­ sultation of Foreign Ministers of the I very much appreciate the advance posal] is valid, as it explores a possibility Organization of American States (OAS) notification of actions which your for a peaceful solution to the internal calls for installation of democratic government will take in the near future. crisis in Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan government in Nicaragua including For my part, I want to reiterate once Government would not lose anything by representatives of all groups opposing again that the government over which I entering into conversations with the op­ the Somoza regime. preside will not hesitate even for an in­ position. stant in its efforts to achieve a com­ July 1979 prehensive, regional agreement which is Anti~Somoza opposition sends cable fully verifiable, as is specified in the President Febres Cordero of Ecuador: promising free elections to the Secretary Twenty-one Objectives approved by the Press Conference, New York, General of the OAS. Central American countries in the April 10, 1985 Anti-Somoza opposition coalition framework of the Contadora negotia­ assumes power in Nicaragua; United tions. In this sense, my government I've already looked favorably on the call States begins economic assistance. shares and supports the ends that you for a dialogue_ If the left has been sug­ pursue with this important initiative. gesting in general a dialogue between October 1979 Please accept, Mr. President, my the guerrillas and the legitimately con­ General Romero is overthrown in El congratulations for this decision while at stituted government in El Salvador, and Salvador by military and civilian group the same time I reiterate my sentiments all the parties in Guatemala take part in promising extensive political, social and of personal respect. the democratic process, why can't there economic reform. ROBERTO SUAZO CORDOVA be a dialogue between the Sandinista Constitutional President of the Government and the opposition forces? April 1980 Republic of Honduras Alfonso Rabelo resigns from President Monge of Costa Rica Nicaraguan C:r0vernment after San­ President de la Madrid of Mexico dinistas pack Council of State with its Letter to President Reagan, supporters by enlarging the membership Excerpt From Office Communique, April 10, 1985 from 33 to 47. April 8, 1985 I feel obliged to convey my enthusiastic March 1980 Cessation of hostilities is, in Mexico's support for [the President's] pro- opinion, an indispensable objective for posal. ... As a Costa Rican, I should Agrarian reform begins in El the promotion of a climate appropriate note that my position is justified above Salvador. for dialogue and negotiation among the all because it is a proposal for a peaceful countries of the area and among the dif­ solution to one of the great problems of November 1980 ferent political groups within each coun­ our time in Central America, aimed at Sandinista security forces murder try. President Reagan's proposal to en­ achieving peace and malting possible Jorge Salazar. Business group (COSEP) courage cessation of hostilities could democracy. Having for many years and independent political parties constitute a forward step in the solution resolved our problems in a peaceful withdraw temporarily from Council of of this delicate conflict. manner, through the exercise of State. democracy, Costa Ricans fervently desire that all the peoples of Central January 1981 President Barletta of Panama: America likewise receive the benefits Salvadoran FMLN guerrillas, using Excerpt from Foreign Ministry Bulletin, which such procedures convey and that arms supplied by the Soviet bloc through April 10, 1985 by their means they may resolve their Nicaragua, launch 11final offensive" problems, thus definitively distancing against the Salvadoran Government; In President Barletta's opinion, there Central America from the nightmare of United States suspends aid to exist positive elements in President war, both international and civil. Nicaragua. Reagan's proposal. Above all, the pro­ posal moves forward both on the cessa­ President Alfonsin of Argentina: March 1982 tion of hostilities in Central America as Washington Post, Interview, Constituent Assembly election in El well as on dialogue instead of confronta­ Salvador. tion. President Barletta indicated that in April 11, 1985 any case it is important to open a breathing space that would permit I think [President Reagan's proposal] is deeper study of President Reagan's pro­ a positive policy that, if taken up by posal in order to determine its true Latin America, might produce some for­ scope. President Barletta indicated his mula for a solution.

9 Motley, Langhorne A., October 1982 October-November 1984 The Need for Continuity in U.S. Lat·in American Declaration of San Jose (signed by Salvadoran President Duarte calls at Policy. Based on a statement before the Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, the UN General Assembly for dialogue with Subcommittee on Western Jiemisphere Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Hon­ armed opposition; meetings between Affairs of the House Foreign Affairs duras, Jamaica, and the United States) government and FMLN take place Oc­ Committee, January 29, 1985 (Current calls for internal reconciliation and tober 15 at La Palma and November 20 Policy No. 655, U.S. Department of democracy in each Central American at Ayagualo. State, Bureau of Public Affairs, country as requirement for regional Washington, D.C.). peace. February 1985 Shultz, George P., Arnerica a,nd the Statement calling for church­ Struggle for Freedom. Address before January 1983 mediated dialogue issued in Managua by the Commonwealth Club of California, Contadora peace process launched the opposition Coord'in,a.dora. San Francisco, California, F'ebruary 22, by Foreign Ministers of Colombia, 1985 (Current Policy No. 659, U.S. Mexico, Panama, and Venezuela. March 1985 Department of State, Bureau of Public Document on national dialogue of Affairs, Washington, D.C.). February 1983 the Nicaraguan resistance issued in San Cruz, Arturo and Arturo Cruz, Jr., El Salvador Peace Commission Jose, Costa Rica. "A Peace Plan for Nicaragua." (The Neto established, including a representative Communique of the Nicaraguan Republ:ic, March 18, 1985, Jssue 3,661, from the church. Efforts focused on pro­ Episcopal Conference, accepting media­ pp. 17-18.) moting the participation of all social tion role in dialogue. Calero, Adolfo, "A Struggle by and political sectors in the democratic Legislative and municipal elections Nicaraguans, for Nicaragua." process. in El Salvador; fourth free election in 3 (Washington Post, April 7, 1985, p. years. A-10.) Facio, Gonzalo, "El Plan Reagan April 1983 April 1985 para la paz en Nicaragua." (Diario Las President Reagan announces ap­ Americas, April 9, 1985, p. A-5.) pointment of a Special Envoy for Cen­ President Reagan calls on Nicaragan Susta1:ning a, Consistent Policy in tral America. Focus included facilitating Government to accept dialogue. Central A mericn: One Year A,fter the internal dialogue in both El Salvador National Bipartisan Comm1:.c;sion Report and Nicaragua. (Special Report No. 124, April 1985, Additional References U.S. Department of State, Bureau of September 1983 Public Affairs, Washington, D.C.). 111 21-point "Docwnent of Objectives" Resolution of the 17th Meeting of Con· signed by the five Central American and sultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs Published by the United States Departrr1ent the four Contadora countries. of the Organization of American States, of State · Bureau of Public Affairs Washington, D.C., June 23, 1979 (OAS Office of Public Com1nunication · Editorial December 1983 Document 40/79, rev. 2, June 23, 1979). Division · Washington, D.C. · April 1985 Cable from the "Junta of the Editor: Colleen Sussman · This material is in Nicaraguan opposition Coordinadora the public domain and may be reproduced issues nine-point communique calling for Government of National Reconstruction" without permission; citation of this source is dialogue leading to open elections. of Nicaragua to the Secretary General of appreciated. the OAS, Dr. Alejandro Orfila, July 12, February 1984 1979. Nicaraguan armed opposition FDN Final Act of the Meeting of Foreign offers to lay down arms in exchange for Ministers o.f Countries Interested in the participation in elections. Promotion of Democracy in Central America and the Caribbean, October 4, 1982 (Bulletin Reprint, U.S. Department April 1984 of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, Easter pastoral letter of the Washington, D.C.). Nicaraguan bishops calls for dialogue, Reagan, Ronald, Central America: including with armed opposition. Defending Our Vital Interests. Address before a joint session of Congress, May 1984 April 27, 1983 (Current Policy No. 482, Jose Napoleon Duarte elected Presi­ U.S. Department of State, Bureau of dent of El Salvador in run-off election. Public Affairs, Washington, D.C.). Statement in La Prensa of the Coor­ September-October 1984 dinadora Democratica Nicaraguense, International and regional efforts to Managua, Nicaragua, 26 December 1983 induce Sandinistas to allow open, fair (FBIS, January 5, 1984). competition for November 4 elections The WaU Street Journal, "Socialist fail. International Leader Sends Daniel Ortega His Regrets," (January 11, 1985, p. 19).

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