April 14.Paul Laverty's picture of El Salvador is staggeringly
dishonest. Blinded with racist anti-Americanism, this version of events
is a travesty of the facts.
The US protege is the moderate and now dying S. Duarte who at least
tried to reform the social system. The US has done all in its power and
with some success to stop the death squads. The $3 billion poured in for
''vicarious thuggery'' was largely economic aid. They did their utmost
to discourage the far Right Arena party, now with a more moderate
leader, S. Christiani, who wants to talk to the rebels.
The electors, desperate to end the bloodshed, have frustrated the
American hopes by decisively (54% of a 50% poll) voting Arena (who
detest the gringo Yanks as gutless, telling them, ''Go practice on your
grandmother''). The US is again threatening to cut off aid if the
killings continue.
Duarte offered protection to the FML guerrillas if they would take
part in the election. This offer was refused unless the FML were given a
guaranteed part in government and running the army, regardless of the
ballot results. Having previously murdered 40 elected mayors, it is fair
to say that Mr Laverty's friends are not friends of democracy.
They then declared polling-places war zones, and election officials
and anyone voting were military targets, and in extensive polling-day
fighting, at least 30 people were killed. May I quote without comment Mr
Laverty's thoughts on elections: ''The basis for any meaningful election
is freedom from fear, freedom of movement.'' He made Brian Wilson, on
the same page, sound almost balanced and fair.
Bill Forsythe,
17 Ainslie Road,
Girvan.
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