asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government have expressed any view, in recent weeks, on the inappropriateness of further aid by the United States to the Contra mercenaries fighting near the Nicaraguan border; and the proposals, if any, he has to develop friendly relations with Nicaragua.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - US Aid to Contra Mercenaries.
2.
On 24 March 1987, in reply to a question from Deputy De Rossa, I outlined the Government's policy, and that of our partners in the Twelve, with regard to outside interference in Nicaragua and other Central American countries.
We believe that there should be no extraneous interference of any kind in the area. Nicaragua's problems can be resolved not by military means but only in the context of a broadly-based political agreement emanating from the region itself, such as has been proposed by the Contadora Group or, recently, by President Arias of Costa Rica.
The Irish and Nicaraguan Governments maintain effective contacts which can be developed as necessary. This can be, and is, done without the establishment of formal diplomatic relations.
Will the Minister now reconsider the possibility of establishing diplomatic relations with Nicaragua? This is a question which has been raised in the House quite a number of times in recent years and we have been told that it is under consideration. Will the Minister now indicate whether there is active consideration of that possibility as I know that the Nicaraguan Government, through their Foreign Minister who visited here last year, requested such a development? When may we expect a decision in regard to this matter?
The question will continue to be considered but we have to cut our cloth according to our measure. In a difficult financial period we give priority to such representation in countries with large Irish communities or where we consider it important for trade or commercial considerations. That is the basis on which we appoint honorary consuls and on which we open diplomatic representation. For the time being, it will have to continue to be on the basis of those two fundamental criteria.
Following the visit of the Minister and the Taoiseach to the White House on St. Patrick's Day, will he indicate whether it is the view of the Goverment that they agree with President Reagan's recent analysis that continued support to the Contras is justified in order to ensure that there will be no Soviet expansion in Central America?
With the other countries in the Community, we agreed to differ from the United States in regard to their support of the Contras in Nicaragua.
I am glad to hear that unequivocal assertion from the Minister. Could he indicate when he proposes to convey that directly to the White House on behalf of the Government?
The White House is well aware of our attitude in that respect. As the Deputy and the House know, this is an American policy decision which is not only disapproved of by us but by all the countries within the European Community. In our view it is mistaken policy but there is very little we can do about it other than stating our policy.