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tion, issued a decree disarming the militias, thereby making it illegal for Nicaragua's workers and peasantsexcept for those in the war zones—to possess weapons.—A.B.] "After a lengthy discussion in the MUR," Ibarra continued, "we decided we could not give critical support to the FSLN in these elections, as most of us had done-correctly, I believe—in the 1984 elections. We had to put forward a clear revolutionary alternative, hoping that the FSLN leadershipor at least a significant portion of the FSLN cadrewould support our platform.

"As it turned out, many prominent Sandin... MUR letter (continued from page 11: “[SOCIALIST ACTION OCTOBER 1989 11 S.A.: In an…]”) nave called for the unity of all revolutionary forces with the purpose of forming a united front against the local forces of imperialism and for the defense of the conquests of the revolution. We hereby appeal to you to forge the unity of all revolutionists to confront the counterrevolutionary forces.

5. For our part, we believe that the most effective way to defend the conquests of the revolution requires putting an end to the concessions being made to the local and regional representatives of imperialism. The only result of the policy of concertación [FLN's policy of greater concessions to the Nicaraguan capitalists] and compactación [mass layoffs of government workers] is to undermine support for the revolution among the workers and their allies in the cities and the countryside.

For us, the defense (The MUR is also fielding 80 candidates for the legislative and municipal elections.)

More and more foreign supporters of the Nicaraguan Revolution are commenting on the growing disenchantment-and even hostility—among the Nicaraguan masses to the policies of the FSLN leadership.

One such example is an article marking the tenth anniversary of the Nicaraguan Revolution by longtime Nicaragua solidarity activist and journalist Marc Cooper. Cooper's article, "Soaring Prices, Plurging Hopes," appeared in the July 25, 1989, issue of The Village Voice.

requires the deepening of the revolution, continuing the process of destroying the forces of the bourgeoisie in the countryside and the cities and appealing to the national and international mobilization of all those willing to actively defend the revolution and its conquests.

6. We append to this letter, for your consideration and future discussion, a programmatic proposal [the MUR's political platform, excerpts of which are reprinted in this issue—A.B.J that could be the basis of a broad coalition of revolutionary forces. For our part, we intend to discuss this programmatic proposal with other revolutionary parties not involved in the National Opposition Union (UNO).

Awaiting your response, Fraternally, Francisco Samper Blanco, For the Nat'l Executive Committee of the Movement for Revolutionary Unity Nicaragua bynamies «u Tra by Atan Benjami Moisés Hassan (continued from page 11: “[SOCIALIST ACTION OCTOBER 1989 11 S.A.: In an…]”) happening, Omar's good intentions notwithstanding.

S.A.: What is your assessment of the National Opposition Union (UNO)? Is there a possibility they could win the elections?

Hassan: The UNO represents the interests A penetrating analysis of 10 years of the Nicaraguan Revolution.

Written by Socialis Action editor Alan Benjamin (in collaboration with leaders of the MUR with an introduction by Rod Holt and Jeff Mackler. (176 pp.)

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capitalize on the widespread discontent among the population. They are too closely identified with the U.S. State Department. And if anyone had any doubts about whose interests the UNO represents, those doubts should have been dispelled by President George Bush's recent proposal to have the National Endowment for Democracy finance the UNO's election campaign.

S.A.: Will the FSLN criticize you for "playing into the hands of the UNO" by taking votes away from the FSLN?

Hassan: This will undoubtedly be one of the FSLN leadership's arguments in their attacks on our campaign. It is quite likely we will take some votes away from the FSLN. But the great bulk of our votes will come from that undecided majority of the population, most of whom would simply abstain from voting if presented with only the Sandinista or UNO candidates.

If anything, we will take many more votes away from the UNO. You have to realize that there is a layer of the population that is warweary and fed up with Sandinista rule. These people may just vote for anyone, even the UNO, just to get rid of the Sandinistas. We can win some of these people back to the cause of the revolution.

S.A.: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Hassan: Through this election campaign we are trying to offer an alternative that will preserve the gains of the revolution. We think the revolution will only be strengthened by our campaign. Even though our organization [the MUR] is very young, we are very optimistic.

I'd also like to conclude by sending revolutionary greetings to the readers of Socialist Action.