Key Points in Sandinista, Contra Truce Plans

A comparison of major points of the Sandinista and Contra cease-fire proposals made public during negotiations here:

GOAL OF CURRENT TALKS Sandinistas--A definitive cease-fire agreement under which rebels forces would be disarmed, accept a government amnesty and return to civilian life.

Contras--A military truce under which the two forces would be separated. Disarmament terms would be set in a second round of negotiations during the truce period.

DURATION OF CEASE-FIRE

Sandinistas--Ninety days, during which the Contras would surrender their arms.

Contras--Forty-five days. Contra forces would have 15 days to gather in designated cease-fire zones.

SEPARATION OF FORCES

Sandinistas--Both armies would remain stationary in their positions at the time of the agreement. A neutral agency chosen by common agreement, such as the International Red Cross, would deliver food, clothing and other such supplies to rebels in the field.

Contras--During the last 30 days of the truce, the rebels would have freedom of movement within enclaves to be designated by agreement of both sides.

SUPERVISION

Sandinistas--Separation of troops would be supervised by Nicaraguan and foreign observers chosen by mutual consent. An international commission would monitor the return of disarmed rebels to guarantee their constitutional rights. The commission would represent the United Nations, Organization of American States, the Contadora nations (Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela and Panama) and their support group (Peru, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay) plus Canada, Italy, Spain, West Germany, Sweden, Norway and Finland.

Contras--A commission led by Cardinal Miguel Obando y Bravo of Nicaragua and the secretary general of the OAS would oversee all aspects of the truce agreement.

POLITICAL CONDITIONS

Sandinistas--About 3,360 political prisoners would be freed in stages, in proportion to the number of Contra combatants who lay down their arms. When the exchange starts, Contra leaders may return to Nicaragua and take part in a “national dialogue” between the government and opposition groups.

Contras--At the start of the truce, the government should free all political prisoners, grant “total press freedom” and suspend the military draft. In subsequent talks to achieve a lasting cease-fire, the Sandinistas must agree to put in practice “all aspects of democratization” required by the August, 1987, Central American peace accord.