ACUERDO NACIONAL

(NATIONAL ACCORD)

   A united front opposed to the dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner in Paraguay.

   Formed in February 1979 with the support of the administration of U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the Acuerdo consisted of four political parties: the Movimiento Popular Colorado (MOPOCO, Popular Colorado Movement); the Partido Demócrata Cristiano (PDC, Christian Democratic Party); the Partido Liberal Radical Auténtico (PLRA, Authentic Radical Liberal Party), a left-wing splinter from what was traditionally known as Partido Liberal (Liberal Party); and the Partido Revolucionario Febrerista (PRF, February Revolutionary Party). Another opposition party, the Partido Comunista Paraguayo (PCP, Paraguayan Communist Party), tried repeatedly to join, but was turned down. Among other things, the Acuerdo Nacional demanded an amnesty for political prisoners, an end to humanrights abuse, and a transition to democratic rule.

   At first, the Acuerdo Nacional had little influence—only one of the parties, the Febreristas, was legally recognized by Stroessner, and MOPOCO was in exile. But in the 1980s, as dictatorships fell in neighboring countries—in Bolivia (1982), Argentina (1983), Brazil (1985), and Uruguay (1985)—it played an increasing role in mobilizing opposition to Stroessner. In February 1984, after Stroessner allowed MOPOCO to return from exile, the Acuerdo Nacional staged a protest in downtown Asunción, drawing 2,000 people. On 14 May 1985 it staged a prodemocracy rally, and then joined the Paraguayan Catholic Church in calling for political liberalization.