Nicaragua: New Challenges

The negative, belligerent posture struck by the leaders of Nicaragua in recent days is both ominous and perplexing. It would be a mistake, however, for Congress to rush ahead with additional assistance for the Contras fighting the government of Nicaragua.

President Reagan confirmed Tuesday that his conversations with Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev included a commitment to cut off the flow of arms to Nicaragua in exchange for an end to U.S. aid to the Contras. That would be a critically important step in reinforcing the Central American peace agreement. In the meantime, however, the United States alone can give that peace process an important push forward by heeding the appeal of President Oscar Arias Sanchez of Costa Rica, the principal architect of the peace plan, and cutting off aid.

President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua has sought to calm the controversy created by his brother, Defense Minister Humberto Ortega, who reported plans for a massive military buildup in Nicaragua--including a flow of sophisticated Soviet arms, among them MIG-21 fighters. Daniel Ortega insisted that no decision on the buildup had been made, and that Nicaragua remained willing to implement the peace plan that he himself had signed on Aug. 7 with the other Central American presidents.

His comments would have been more reassuring had he not at the same time postponed a meeting scheduled for Monday to renew negotiations for a cease-fire, and had he not threatened the internal opposition and the press in Nicaragua in terms that left the impression that he has no intention of observing the democratic principles that are part of the peace accord.

The controversial statements during the weekend by Humberto Ortega confirmed, in many ways, revelations from Maj. Roger Miranda Bengoechea, whose defection had greatly embarrassed the Sandinista regime in Managua. Miranda’s information has been deftly used by the Reagan Administration to fuel its campaign for a further interim funding of the Contras. This is not the time for that.

Two things matter at this moment. One is full respect by the United States for the peace accord while the leaders of Central America implement its complex elements. The other is action, not words, from the Sandinistas to demonstrate their commitment to the peace accords, and for that there is no substitute for a quick agreement on the Christmas cease-fire that has been proposed by Cardinal Miguel Obando y Bravo, the official mediator.

Reagan’s staff has announced that it is testing Gorbachev’s intentions as well through diplomatic channels. That is an obvious post-summit priority.

These new challenges to the peace process underscore the importance of what has already been said by Arias: “Let Central Americans decide the future of Central America.” It will not help matters if the U.S. Congress defies those who are best qualified to lead the peace effort. But Managua has made their work no easier.