White House Statement on
Aid to the Nicaraguan Democratic Resistance
The
President today submitted a request to the Congress pursuant to section 111 of
the fiscal year 1988 continuing resolution (P.L. 100 - 202) for $36.25 million
of additional aid for the Nicaraguan democratic resistance (NDR) to sustain the
resistance. The request ensures that the resistance can continue the pressure
on the Sandinista regime to comply with its obligations under the
All
funds under the request are derived by transfer from existing defense
appropriations. Ninety percent of the funds requested provides
nonlethal aid, such as food, clothing, medicines, and
the means to deliver it. Ten percent provides for REDEYE air defense missiles,
for use against the Sandinistas' Soviet-made Hind helicopter gunships, and ammunition.
The
request prohibits the purchase of aircraft to transport aid to the resistance,
but permits leasing aircraft. To ensure the availability of leased aircraft, the
request authorizes the President to transfer not more than $20 million from
defense appropriations to indemnify the owners of leased aircraft in the event
of loss, but which will otherwise not be spent. The request also provides for
electronic equipment, radar, and other passive air defense equipment to protect
the safety of transportation.
The
request supports the Central American peace process by providing a clear
opportunity for the Sandinista regime to comply with its obligation to
establish democracy and to negotiate a cease-fire directly with the resistance.
The request prohibits delivery of all lethal aid after
The
Congress will consider a joint resolution to approve the President's request
under expedited procedures that provide for a vote in the House of
Representatives on February 3 and a vote in the Senate on February 4.