The World : Contras Want More Aid

The Nicaraguan Democratic Force, the largest of the U.S.-financed contra groups, said it does not believe it can win its war to overthrow the Sandinista regime without more aid from the United States. In a formal strategy statement, the group said the $100 million in aid approved last year by Congress will only support “the first phase” of a war aimed at “bringing about democracy by defeating a Communist regime.” The Reagan Administration has requested $105 million in additional aid for the contras for the 1988 fiscal year, but the statement indicated that the rebels believe a significantly greater amount is needed. Leading Democrats in Congress have pledged to attempt to block any further aid for the contras.