Word: somoza
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...Somoza's resignation followed weeks of complicated negotiations between his decaying regime, the U.S. and the five-man junta that the rebels had named as Nicaragua's provisional government. At first, Somoza stalled, apparently hoping that his powerfully armed 12,000-member national guard might still reverse the tide of battle. But by the beginning of last week even Somoza could see that further resistance was futile. He agreed to the rebel junta's plan for turning over power to the new regime. The first step would be for Somoza to resign and leave the country...
...rebel junta also agreed to provide "safe conduct" for any Somoza henchmen who wished to leave Nicaragua; only those charged with "grave crimes" or "genocide" would not be covered by that pledge. To back up that guarantee, the junta also agreed to a proposal originated by Washington's special envoy, William Bowdler, that the Organization of American States would be invited to monitor the protection of human rights. Satisfied with the junta's promises, Washington pledged to support the new regime. Said Bowdler: "You are now the government of Nicaragua...
Facing the harsh reality that he had lost American support, Somoza placed all his high-ranking Guardia officers with 30 years or more service on the retirement list. That step allowed them to immediately abandon their commands and seek refuge in the U.S. or elsewhere in Latin America. As Somoza's officers planned their getaways, Nicaraguan Congressmen who had been confined in Managua's Intercontinental Hotel grew increasingly panicky. Finally, they were called into a post-midnight session. They unanimously accepted Somoza's resignation and conferred the blue-and-white sash, symbolic of the presidency...
...Word of Somoza's resignation reached San José at 2:15 a.m. last Tuesday. It was a cause of quiet celebration for the junta, four of whose five members had gathered at the home of Sergio Ramirez Mercado to await the news. With victory seemingly at hand, Nicaragua's new leaders prepared to board two private planes provided by the Costa Rican government. Their triumphant entry into Managua, they announced, would take place "within 24 hours." But that...
...Managua, Urcuyo startled friend and foe alike by delivering a belligerent speech in which he vowed to complete the remaining two years of Somoza's term. On his instructions, newly appointed Guardia Commander Frederico Mejía Gonzáles ordered his troops to "redouble your efforts in the current fight...