Bernard Allen
Ceist:71 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he proposes to ensure that European financial aid will be given to Nicaragua for the running of the elections in that country in February 1990.
Written Answers. - Nicaraguan Elections.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:80 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the arrangements, if any, he has made to monitor the elections in Nicaragua later in February 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:83 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his position as President of the European Council of Ministers in relation to (a) demobilisation of the Contras (b) the elections in Nicaragua (c) economic stabilisation and (d) commerce.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71, 80 and 83 together.
It has not been the practice of the Government to send observers to observe elections in other countries and there is no budgetary provision to fund such travel. The Twelve have regularly made their position clear in relation to the five Central American countries and expressed their readiness to support any action which would aim at restoring peace in the area. They have also asserted their firm belief that it is essential for any country which is either linked to, or has interests in, the region to aid the establishment of peace and democracy in Central America and contribute towards its social and economic development. The Twelve have welcomed the establishment of the UN observer group on Central America, which by working to ensure the impartial verification of commitments entered into by the Central American Presidents, should renew confidence in the peace process.
The Twelve welcomed the agreement reached at San-Isidro-de-Coronado in December 1989 which aimed to resolve several serious problems of the region, notably, the demobilisation of the Contras. The Twelve support the process within the region itself aimed at finding a settlement which will include demobilisation of the Contras.
On 30 June 1986 the European Community signed a co-operation agreement with the countries of Central America which has resulted in the allocation of considerable amounts of aid and assistance to the region. Ireland as Presidency looks forward to the further development of economic and technical co-operation between the Community and the countries of Central America.