In July 1984 a limited amnesty was announced and some members of the political opposition were released from prison.

In addition, several leading figures, including the new president, Jalal Talabani, have said they would be open to some kind of limited amnesty for resistance fighters.

Mr. Ortega also said he would issue a limited amnesty for prisoners and open direct cease-fire talks with contra guerrillas.

Three later reopened under a limited amnesty.

But according to people who have talked to Cabinet members, he prefers a limited amnesty that would apply only to political offenses.

"He seems willing to tell us who hired him in exchange for limited amnesty."

Mr. Ortega also announced a limited amnesty, for 981 prisoners, about a tenth of the estimated total.

Finally the Emperor cleared his throat and said, "The best we can offer is limited amnesty.

I was only granted limited amnesty when my family went renegade.

Congress has failed to include a provision giving limited amnesty for illegal immigrants who have been in the United States since 1986.