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Edited/Distributed by HURINet - The Human Rights Information Network
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## author     : wnu@igc.apc.org
## date       : 07.12.97
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          WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE ON THE AMERICAS
             ISSUE #410, DECEMBER 7, 1997
  NICARAGUA SOLIDARITY NETWORK OF GREATER NEW YORK
339 LAFAYETTE ST., NEW YORK, NY 10012 (212) 674-9499

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EL SALVADOR: FMLN HOLDS CONGRESS

The Farabundo Marti Front for National Liberation (FMLN), a
grouping of former guerrilla armies which disarmed and
became a legal political party in 1992, opened its fifth
national party congress on Dec. 6 in San Salvador. The 1,058
delegates were to elect a 52-member national council, which
would then select a 15- member political commission.
According to the Associated Press, the FMLN is divided
between an orthodox line and a democratic line, with
political differences including economic program, the Cuban
political model, relations with the US, and socialism; the
party's secretary general, Salvador Sanchez, is said to
represent the orthodox line, while Facundo Guardado says the
party must adapt if it hopes to take on the ruling
Republican Nationalist Alliance (ARENA) in 1999 presidential
elections. After a strong showing in elections on Mar. 16
[see Update #373], the FMLN is the second party in the
country behind ARENA [La Nacion (Costa Rica) 12/7/97 from
AP]--Guardado was the electoral campaign coordinator. Jesus
Delgado, editor of the Catholic daily Orientacion, said he
believed the party congress would lead to a "rejuvenation"
of the party's leaders through strengthening their base.
[Notimex 12/7/97]

Correction: Item #6 in Update #407 misidentified two members
of the Salvadoran cabinet. Eduard Tomasino is Labor
Minister, Eduardo Interiano is Health Minister.