asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that President Reagan is seeking the approval of the United States Congress to provide $100 million worth of aid to the Contra groups who are attempting to overthrow the democratic Government of Nicaragua; if in view of the damage that this could do to the prospects of peace in Central America and the deaths, destruction and chaos that could result from this money being given, he will urge the US Government to halt such aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - US Aid for Contra Groups
30.
In answer to the Deputy's question I wish to assure him that I am aware of the current efforts of President Reagan to obtain the approval of the US Congress for $100 million in aid to the Contra groups opposing the Nicaraguan Government.
The Deputy will be aware that I have stated on a number of occasions that the problems of the Central American region can only be resolved by a political agreement coming from within the region itself which respects the principles of non-interference and inviolability of frontiers. To this end Ireland has consistently supported the Contadora process along with our partners in the European Community as representing the best opportunity to achieve a political solution to the crisis in the region.
The foreign ministers of the Contadora countries, (Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Venezuela) and the support group, (Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay) are expected to meet their colleagues from the five Central American states, (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua) on 21 March to assess the state of the Contadora process and decide what new courses of action should be followed in the present circumstances. The Dutch Foreign Minister, representing the Presidency, will never contact with these countries, which include Nicaragua, after the meeting with a view to seeing what support they would wish the Community to give in furthering the Contadora process at this stage. It will not be possible therefore to decide what steps the Community will be able to take until the wishes of the countries concerned with the Contadora process become known.