Vol. 432 No. 2
43 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure that any aid given to the Nicaraguan Government by the EC should be linked to the successful continuation of the autonomy process in the Atlantic region and that a percentage of the aid package should be allocated to that region.
54 Miss Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure that any aid given to the Nicaraguan Government by the EC should be linked to the successful continuation of the autonomy process in the Atlantic region and that a percentage of the aid package should be allocated to that region.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 54 together.
The Atlantic coast region of Nicaragua which is divided into two autonomous regions is the home of the Miskito and Suomo Indians. It has always been a poor and underdeveloped region. I am informed that the Nicaraguan Government has been providing assistance to the region through agriculture and rural development schemes. I am not aware of any attempt on their part to undermine the autonomy process.
The Community's aid to the developing countries of Asia and Latin America includes stipulations regarding the respect for human rights. This aspect was reaffirmed in the Cooperation Agreement between the Community and Central American countries, including Nicaragua, which was signed at San Salvador in February of this year.
While it is not normal for specific amounts of EC financial assistance to be allocated to individual regions, I am willing to pass on the Deputies' suggestion on the matter to the European Commission.
