News In Brief

Nicaragua extending state of emergency

Nicaragua has decided to extend a state of emergency until after July 19 anniversary celebrations of the revolution that brought the national Sandinist liberation front to power, the government said Thursday.

A statement said this was necessary because of increased attacks by right-wing, US-backed rebels and added that it would remain in force until July 20.

The state of emergency, which provides for censorship of the press and restrictions on political activity, was imposed in March 1982, when right-wing rebels of the Nicaraguan Democratic Force began staging cross-border raids into northern Nicaragua from bases in Honduras. The FDN says it plans a big ''urban offensive'' in July.