Nicaraguan Leader Calls Reagan Policy 'Evil War'

The Reagan Administration's intervention in Nicaragua is an "evil war" impeding the Sandinista government's humanitarian efforts for reform, a member of the country's legislative assembly last night told a 150-person audience at the Law School.

Ray Hooker, whose kidnapping by an anti-government faction made headlines last year, warned that U.S. backed "freedom fighters"--who released him from captivity just days before his November election--are in fact threatening the welfare of his country's citizens.

Hooker said the U.S. supported contras attack national food and health resources and practice senseless violence on many innocent citizens.

"We are trying to make a revolution." Hooker said of the left-wing Sandinista government that in 1979 overthrew the right-wing U.S. backed Somoza clan, adding that he fears the Reagan Administration's intervention will prevent the revolution's success.

"I am convinced that soon we will be called on to pay the price of our freedom that Grenada had to pay." Hooker said in reference to the 1983 U.S. invasion of that tiny island nation.

Despite intervention from abroad, the Sandinista government is doing all it can to improve the quality of life of all Nicaraguans. Hooker said. He cited the country's success in cutting illiteracy from 60 percent to 12 percent.

He also pointed out that the first bill ever passed by the elected government granted complete amnesty to contras willing to give up counter-revolutionary efforts. "And because of this." Hooker said ironically. "We are accused of promoting authoritarianism."

Hooker said he thinks that, if left to their own devices, the Sandinistas can unite Nicaragua and "enrich our national identify" by allowing each Nicaraguan tribe economic and political autonomy.

Hooker asked for "peace to do our own thing in our own home," adding that his country's revolution will go on. "To be alive and not afraid of dying is the only way to live," he said, paraphrasing American Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death."