asked the Minister for Defence the number of Army officers being sent to act as observers on the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Central America; where these officers will be located; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
56.
Written Answers. - UN Peacekeeping Mission in Central America.
45.
asked the Minister for Defence if Ireland has been asked to supply members for the UN observer force for Nicaragua.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 56 together.
The Security Council of the United Nations has approved the establishment of a United Nations Observer Group in Central America (ONUCA) in response to requests from the Governments of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The mandate of ONUCA is to conduct on-site verification of: (a) the cessation of aid to irregular forces and insurrectionist movements and (b) the non-use of the territory of one state for attacks on other states.
In response to a request from the Secretary-General, the Government have indicated their willingness to provide 18 officers for this mission. These officers would be located in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The detailed arrangements are at present being worked out and ONUCA is expected to be deployed in the next few weeks.