asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the Government's reaction to the outcome of the recent referendum in Chile; if the Government intends to ask the United Nations to ensure that the desire of the people of Chile for a return to democratic Government, as reflected in the referendum, is respected; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Chilean Referendum.
26.
We and our EC partners stated on 7 October 1988 that, having constantly supported an early and orderly restoration of democracy in Chile, we welcomed the result of the plebiscite of 5 October as a first step towards that objective. We noted the assurance of the Chilean Government that it would fully respect the expressed will of the people and urged the Government to proceed to a dialogue with the democratic opposition, thus facilitating a full restoration of democracy. We and our partners believe that, for the attainment of that goal, full respect for human rights and civil liberties is necessary. There should be restraint on all sides during this delicate transitional period. We paid tribute to the courage and tenacity shown by the Chilean people in their efforts to obtain the return of democracy.
Presidential and Congressional elections are to take place in Chile in December, 1989.
Together with our partners, we will continue to try to convince the Chilean Government of the importance of dialogue with Opposition parties. The orderly restoration of democracy, which they say is their aim, requires that the political system be seen to work fairly. The twelve will be observing the progress made towards this end.
We are ready to support any action by the United Nations which would endorse the will of the Chilean people, as expressed in the plebiscite, for the return of full democracy.