Contra Leader Changes Mind, Won’t Resign

Nicaraguan contra leader Arturo Cruz withdrew his threat to resign today, saying he was persuaded to continue in the United Nicaraguan Opposition because of prospects that it will undertake democratic reforms.

Cruz said the expected reforms include unification of the various groups fighting to oust Nicaragua’s leftist government.

Also taking part in the Cruz news conference was Alfonso Robelo, who, with Cruz, has had a running feud with a third member of the Nicaraguan insurgency leadership, Adolfo Calero. Cruz and Robelo had both objected to what they regarded as efforts by Calero to dominate the rebel movement both politically and militarily.

Calero announced Monday that he was resigning from the UNO directorate but said he would remain on as head of the largest contra army, known by its Spanish initials FDN.