asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the continuing need to explore possible ways of contributing to the search for peace in Central America, the Government will reconsider the steps it could take to implement the recommendations made by the all-party group who observed the Nicaraguan elections in 1984; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Central America Peace Process.
34.
Support for the peace process in Central America, including the cessation of outside aid to irregular forces or insurrectionist movements in the region, as expressed in the "Esquipulas II" Agreement of August, 1987, is central to the position of the Government, a position that is shared by our European partners. In common with them we try to advance and reinforce the impulses arising within the region itself tending to a settlement of its problems by peaceful means. The Government believe that there should be no external interference of any kind in Nicaragua or elsewhere in Central America. We have supported UN General Assembly Resolutions calling for the lifting of the trade embargo and for compliance with the 1986 judgement of the International Court of Justice concerning military and paramilitary activities in and against Nicaragua.
We recognise that considerable progress has been made by Nicaragua in meeting its commitments under the "Esquipulas II" Agreement. Clearly, however, there is a great need for further steps to be taken in Nicaragua and in other Central American states to achieve the national dialogue, reconciliation, authentic pluralist democracy and respect for human rights envisaged in the 1987 Agreement. On 29 November the Twelve again urged the Central American states to proceed without any further delay with the implementation of the Agreement. We and our partners will continue our dialogue with Central America in this spirit.
The Government keep the question of diplomatic relations under continuous review in the light of our international interests and the availability of resources. However, there are no plans at present to establish formal diplomatic relations with Nicaragua. It is the view of the Government that an objective evaluation of our interests and of the resources required would not justify such a step, even on a non-resident basis.