American officials have privately expressed a series of concerns about the Arias plan.

Indeed, the centerpiece of the Arias plan is democratic change in Nicaragua.

The text of the 10-point Arias plan has not been made public.

But what probably lies ahead is not full implementation of the Arias plan.

Congressmen who truly support the Arias plan will see that and avoid a final decision to end aid now.

The Arias plan has the endorsement of every Latin democracy.

The cease-fire envisioned by the Arias plan would end the fighting.

The Arias plan, whatever its flaws, has promise and wide support.

Wright admits that he planned all along to shift his support to the Arias plan.

All that's required by the Arias plan is negotiation of a cease-fire, a far less comprehensive undertaking.