News In Brief

Contadora peace plan backed by Kissinger

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, appointed by President Reagan to head a committee studying long-term policy for Central America, says he considers the Contadora peace plan a reasonable basis for discussions this week with Mexican and Venezuelan officials.

The plan drawn up by the Contadora group of countries - Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela - calls for the withdrawal of foreign military advisers and an end to support for rebels in the region. The plan has already been approved by Central American countries, but the Contadora group says it requires active support from the US.

The Kissinger Commission, expected to present its report to President Reagan in January, is reportedly split over whether increased military and economic aid to the region should be tied to human rights performance.