News In Brief

Nicaragua offers to let rebels return for '85 vote

Nicaraguan junta leader Daniel Ortega has offered to let most US-backed rebels return to Nicaragua to take part in general elections in 1985. The announcement, made at the country's legislative Council of State Sunday, set out a program leading up to elections in 1985.

Under Mr. Ortega's plan three groups are excluded from the offer, which is open until Feb. 21 and which political sources said could benefit 12,000 rebels: National Guard officers or security police who took part in acts of repression under the late dictator, Anastasio Somoza; rebel leaders who have sought foreign intervention to oust the Sandinists; and those who planned or took part in attacks on civilians or economic targets.