Polish regime starts to lift martial clamp

Press, 14 December 1982, Page 8

Polish regime starts to lift martial clamp

NZPA-Heuter Warsaw The Polish Sejm (Parliament) is to begin the legal process of suspending martial law. The military ruler. General Wojciech Jaruzelski, told the nation in a televised speech that military rule would be suspended by the end of the year, although some controls would remain to ensure State security and to protect the economy. He announced the end of political internment, but Government officials have said certain temporary measures were being prepared in its place. They said last week that more than 300 internees were still being held. General Jaruzelski said that it was not possible to completely lift martial law at the moment because of continuing threats from “internal and external enemies.” His announcement fell short of meeting the proposals of both sanctioned and opposition groups, who have called for the release of all internees and an amnesty for those sentenced for violating martial law as conditions for national agreement. Lech Walesa, the leader of the banned Solidarity trade union, whose political challenge forced the imposition of martial law, called last week for an amnesty, reinstatement of people sacked for union activity, and changes in the new trade union bill. The meeting is considering

legal steps needed for moving from full martial law, through a transitional phase, towards resumption of civilian rule. The formal suspension is expected at a session on December 23. General Jaruzelski said: “Not a single limitation more nor less than is absolutely necessary should be maintained.” The moves would be “a weighty step towards the complete lifting of martial law." He said that pardons were being considered for some people sentenced for crimes against martial law “where it is socially appropriate.” The military take-over, the first in an East Bloc country, brought wide condemnation from Western States, who imposed stiff economic sanctions on Poland. The United States, which has been in the forefront of the sanctions , campaign, made no immediate reaction to the speech.

President Ronald Reagan had said that he would lift sanctions only in response to the release of political prisoners and renewed dialogue with truly representative forces of the Polish nation. The Soviet news agency Tass reported the speech without comment. Underground Solidarity leaders called off portests they had planned and security forces have kept a low profile. General Jaruzelski said that the suspension of martial law presented a chance for the underground figures, saying “only those who want to be an enemy will be considered as one.” The Government has allowed opposition figures who come out of hiding to go home freely. Underground leaders have said that they will continue their activities until all those sentenced under martial law are released. General Jaruzelski said that the ruling Military Council for National Salvation would abandon its function as martial law administrator and become the guarantor of a safe transition from the suspension of martial law to its total lifting. he gave no further details about the council’s role, but said that the number of military commissars, now posted at most important economic and administrative enterprises, would be reduced.