struggle against revolutionary Nicaragua.
Moreover, there is a huge political crisis in the contra 'movement' that encompasses the variegated organisations within it. Sections of the American admanuscrauon nave occulying to hand over leadership respectable' 111U1C characters such as Robelo Cruz. Theoretically could muster HUIC support than the other leading figures like Calevoy the sinister former National Guard chief under Somoza.
Despite the fact that the contras have proved dismal failures as a mintarv force their 'struggle' against umarmed civillans has caused a high toll among the who live populanol IN THE wake of the shockwaves sent throughout the Reagan administration by the Irangate scandal, new evidence is being uncovered about connections in other parts of the world to supply arms to the Nicaraguan contras. One effect has been to fuel the feeling among sections of the American establishment over the futility of maintaining the contras as an option in their Nicaragua's border with Honduras (home base of the contras). The project of the Reagan administration harass the Nicaraguan regime and force it to exSpend precious courtes needed elsewhere.
This was aimed to create enormous strains on ine poor Nicaraguan economy has) and thus force the Sandinistas to inhoduce sungent austenty measures (which they have).
But the anticipated result of alienating a sizable section of the population from the regime has far not happen.
The contras have now changed their military tactics. Not being capable of engaging in open combat with the Sandinista they have turned to sabulazilk 1n• stallations, burning houses, killing civilians especially civilian foreigners who are helping the regime They also increasing from South Africa, the US, Philippines, and Taiwar This has gone hand in hand with desertions. Eden has declared publicly he is Sandinista struggle, sought asylum in Costa Rica, and opened a small business.
Miltarily speaking the objective of the contras has remained the same all Capturt Nicaraguan village of any importance in order to proclaim a provisional government. But the contras have been totally unable match the Sandinista army. According Humberto Ortega the contras have suffered 6000 losses of which roughly so were killea. The Sandinista directorate concluded that the situation has irretrievably turned Nicaragua's favour. and Nicaragua on several occasions. There is every reason that American imperialism will anne new meds one la destroy the Nicaraguan To cope with that eventuality the Sandinista army has been restructured and organisationally strengthcucu successful to date.
those housed Railway workers who live in old mining compounds have also been fighting for better conditions. Disputes amongst railworkers spread quickly after in the Kavern compound in the Transvaal demanded basic rights to light, hot water, and decent tood. wentv thousand workers involv ed in the dispute which began at the end of 1986, are now remorcle we strike accon amuel way Repression has been severe. Police and dogs were used at the Delmore compound when SARHWU members refused to renew their meal tickets and started a food boycott. SARHWU has said it is time that SATS used the R139 million profits to improve