El Salvador commander is given a desk job

One of El Salvador's top Army commanders lost his job, as government troops continued their drive against guerrillas along the Pan American Highway. Military leaders said Col. Napoleon Alvarado was given an administrative job, though they gave no reason for the change.

In Washington, a senior State Department official reportedly said the United States should reverse current policy and encourage the Salvadorean government to negotiate with the rebels. Responding to the Washington Post report, the White House said there was no change in policy.

The Post article coincides with a trip to El Salvador by Jeane Kirkpatrick, US Ambassador to the UN.