President Arias himself has recognized that without such a United States commitment, his approach cannot succeed.

The new plan closely follows a proposal made earlier this year by President Arias.

But last week, rebel leaders met with President Arias in an attempt to clear up the remaining hurdles.

President Arias has said consistently that "peace and democracy are inseparable."

President Arias shrewdly took advantage of the opening in 1987 to propose a regional peace plan.

The governments of all three countries strongly back the peace accord and President Arias.

Though he welcomed these shifts, President Arias pressed for fuller compliance.

President Arias said his order was in line with the Central American peace plan of which he was the author.

President Arias said today: we need an asymmetrical approach.

President Arias had advice for both sides last week.