This has compromised national and military prestige and endangered the very future of the armed forces. for a population that has suffered under a corrupt military may decide to do away with it entirely. Hardly anyone in El Salvador has been untouched by the tragedies generated by this conflict. An estimated 30.000 have died. 300.000 have fled to other countries or to refugee camps. and 300.000 others have been displaced from their homes within the country. El Salvadors only hope is to return to the principles that we held in the 1979 coup. With dissenters shut out. elections will not accomplish this.