asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's policy on the involvement of the United States in acts of aggression against the people of Nicaragua; if the Government intend to establish diplomatic relations with Nicaragua; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Policy on Nicaragua.
15.
The recent third Ministerial Conference in Guatemala of the Central American and Contadora Group states and the Twelve, including Ireland, reiterated that the Contadora framework — the proposals of Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela —"continued to be at present the only means through which a peaceful, negotiated solution to the Central American crisis could viably be reached" and affirmed that peace could come about only as a result of a process which respected "... the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and the right of all nations to determine, freely and without outside interference of any kind, their own economic, political and social model...". Accordingly, the Government believe that all states should refrain from interference of any kind in Nicaragua. That country's problems and those of its neighbours in Central America can be resolved only in the context of a political agreement emanating from the region itself, such as has been proposed by the Contadora Group.
Furthermore, we agree with the decision of the last Government to vote for UN General Assembly Resolutions calling for compliance with the June 1986 judgement of the International Court of Justice and deploring continuation of the US trade embargo against Nicaragua. The resolutions reiterate the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states and reaffirm Nicaragua's right to determine its own political, economic and social system "free of outside interference, subversion, direct and indirect coercion or threats of any kind".
The question of diplomatic relations is kept under continuous review in the light of our international interests and the availability of the necessary resources. The Government have no plans at present to establish formal diplomatic relations with Nicaragua.
I thank the Minister for his detailed reply. Should not the friendly and cordial relations established by this new Government and the American Administration on Saint Patrick's Day be used to impress on the United States our very grave concern about the now admitted involvement of the US at a very high level in attempting to destabilise the democratically elected Government of Nicaragua? Would he not consider agreeing to the extension of the diplomatic relationship which exists between Nicaragua and the UK whereby the Nicaraguan Ambassador to England might also act as an envoy to Ireland? This would avoid cost being used as an excuse in regard to diplomatic relations.
As the Taoiseach has already stated, details regarding Nicaragua and other matters did not arise during a very brief visit, but the United States Administration are very well aware of our attitude towards Central America and Nicaragua in that we have been consistent supporters of the various resolutions that seek to have a negotiated settlement on the basis of the states that exist there and to ensure that peace is restored throughout the whole region. It is recognised by the Contadora countries and generally throughout Central and South America that this has been our stance. It is the general stance in the European Community as well. We feel that the greatest weight can be brought to bear on the United States in the interest of the Nicaraguan people through the Community and the United Nations. These are the two important agencies whose view agrees with ours. We have put our own view to the United States bilaterally as well and there the matter rests.
Do I take it that the new Irish Government have made a bilateral approach to the United States in relation to Nicaragua and made clear our position? My understanding to date has been that the previous Government did not do so, or at least would not admit to having done so.
It is quite clear from our actions in the United Nations and the European Community where we stand on this matter. We have made numerous public statements here in the matter, all of which are naturally monitored and seen by the United States administration. Our attitude is perfectly clear but let us be realistic in saying that it is only through major agencies like the Community and the United Nations that pressure can be brought to bear towards achieving a realistic settlement of the serious situation in Nicaragua and in Central America generally.
Question No. 16.
The Deputy is well aware that our powers in practical terms are inevitably limited and we can work most constructively and positively in the manner I have described.
Things have changed in the past month.