Word: managua
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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Ortega seems to have embarked on a calculated gamble. Recognizing that prospects for renewed lethal aid will probably dwindle as the U.S. presidential contest intensifies, the Sandinistas apparently seized the chance to flex their muscles. But the move could backfire. Resolutions condemning Managua's actions whipped through Congress by overwhelming votes (91 to 4 in the Senate; 385 to 18 in the House), and the crackdown could force congressional opponents of contra military aid to reverse field or risk being blamed for "losing" Nicaragua during the fall campaign. Even Democratic Senator Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, a persistent critic...
...part, Managua has amassed a sizable list of grudges and frustrations. Faced with continued economic decline and resentment at home, the Sandinistas felt compelled to rein in the opposition. At the same time, Managua blames the contras for scuttling the peace talks that broke off in early June and for subsequent cease-fire violations. Ortega was also displeased by Melton's practice of spending more time with opposition leaders than with Sandinista officials...
Some experts now look for Managua to launch an offensive to destroy the contras, perhaps as soon as early August. Government newspapers and radio stations have begun a drum roll of reports proclaiming that "the people" are demanding action against the rebels. An all-out attack by Nicaragua's 70,000- strong army would catch the contras at their weakest. Cut adrift by their U.S. patrons and torn by internal feuding, the guerrillas barely resemble a credible fighting force. About 6,000 rebels remain in Honduras, where the government is increasingly eager to see them leave, or are camped along...
Meanwhile, the contra political leadership remains sharply divided between moderates headed by Alfredo Cesar, who is willing to continue talks with Managua, and hard-liners led by Adolfo Calero. Delegates to the contra governing assembly began a three-day meeting in the Dominican Republic last weekend to attempt to resolve the split by electing a new directorate...
...more galled by Managua's actions than Costa Rican President Oscar Arias Sanchez, whose peace plan remains the framework for the now suspended Sandinista-contra talks. Frustrated by the lack of progress, Arias passed word to Managua last Monday that he believed the contras could again be brought to the negotiating table by Aug. 1 if the Sandinistas would make a conciliatory gesture. Back came the message that Arias' idea was a good one. Two hours later, however, the Sandinistas closed La Prensa and Radio Catolica and expelled Melton...