Bipartisan Contra Aid Plan Unveiled by Bush

President Bush today unveiled a bipartisan Contra aid plan as the first plank of his emerging foreign policy, outlining a $4.5-million-per-month program that commits his Administration to support Central American peace efforts.

The agreement for the first time offers money to the Nicaraguan rebels that can be used to resettle in their homeland and rejoin political life there, and breaks a long partisan stalemate over U.S. policy toward the region.

“Does it mean an end to the war? Let’s hope so,” said Secretary of State James A. Baker III, a chief architect of the accord. Bush said, “The burden of proof is on the Sandinista government to comply” with democratization promises made to their neighbors.

‘One Voice’

With congressional leaders of both parties at his side, Bush said, “We will be speaking with one voice,” striking a sharp contrast to what was perhaps the most divisive issue of the Reagan Administration.

The agreement provides for the continuation of non-lethal humanitarian aid through February, 1990, the date set for elections in Nicaragua. Baker said it would amount to $4.5 million a month for 10 months.

“With regard to Nicaragua, the United States is united in its goals: democratization, an end to subversion and destabilization of its neighbors, an end to Soviet Bloc military ties that threaten U.S. and regional security,” the agreement said.

It noted that under existing agreements among the five Central American countries--Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Guatemala--”insurgent forces are supposed to voluntarily reintegrate into their homeland under safe, democratic conditions.”

Relocation Aid

The money provided under the agreement is expected to be approved by Congress soon after it returns from its Easter break next month, can be used for voluntary relocation aid, the agreement stated. Only the money, not the policy statement, needs congressional approval.