Séamus Pattison
Ceist:15 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that the elections in Nicaragua were conducted without undue external interference; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Nicaraguan Administration.
Michael Ferris
Ceist:18 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the type of relations he expects to establish with the new Government in Nicaragua; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Austin Deasy
Ceist:21 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs , if the Taoiseach in his capacity as Taoiseach and/or President of the European Council, has congratulated Mrs. Violeta Chamorro on her election as President of Nicaragua; and if the EC has any plans to grant economic aid to the new administration.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:33 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the outcome of the elections in Nicaragua.
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:39 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in the context of Ireland's Presidency of the EC, he will make representations to the incoming Government in Nicaragua about the continued protection of human rights in that country; whether any proposals are being considered to bring EC aid to Nicaragua; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 33, 15, 18 and 39 together.
Following the elections in Nicaragua, the twelve member states of the EC issued a joint statement on 27 February in which they welcomed the holding of elections in Nicaragua in a free and fair fashion, in conformity with the undertakings given by the Nicaraguan Government in the context of the peace process in Central America. They warmly congratulated the new President-elect, and welcomed the commitment made by both sides to work for national reconciliation. They expressed the hope that the outcome of the elections would expedite the advancement of the peace process in Central America, and in particular that the demobilisation of the Nicaraguan resistance could now proceed in compliance with the terms of the agreements reached by the countries of the region. They reaffirmed their commitment to intensify co-operation with the Central American countries, with the aim of supporting economic development and social progress in the interests of greater political stability. Ireland is of course fully associated with this statement, on which as Presidency we had the co-ordinating role.
The Government have maintained cordial relations with the Government of Nicaragua, and expect to continue to do so with the incoming government.
The Government and the Twelve regularly express their concern about human rights violations where this is called for. I would consider it premature however to raise the matter with the incoming government in Nicaragua, as I have no reason to anticipate that it will engage in violation of human rights.
Deputies will be aware that the EC provides assistance to the countries of Central America, including Nicaragua, under the terms of the Economic Co-operation Agreement concluded in 1987. The level and allocation of this aid are determined in annual discussions with the countries concerned. The next such discussion will take place at the San Jose VI Conference in Dublin on 9-10 April.
I am glad that the Community have recognised the achievement of what were the Opposition parties in Nicaragua in winning the election. I put this question to the Taoiseach last week and did not get a reply. I got a sort of snide comment. A delegation from this House attended the election process in Nicaragua three or four weeks ago. Why should we send a delegation to observe such elections if that delegation do not report back to this House? Surely some provision should be made whereby a report can be made by that delegation, who I am sure will be glad to make such a report and have it debated here. Would the Minister endeavour to see that such a process is followed?
I am quite sure that if the Whips of the parties give consideration to this, time will be found for the presentation of such a report in this House, which I personally would welcome. We would all benefit from any debate on it.
I am grateful for the Minister's reply to the last question, which I can assure him will be responded to by the members of the delegation. The statement of 27 February used a phrase which I hope I misheard. The phrase I refer to is "the Nicaraguan resistance". I wonder is there any chance that the Minister is referring to the hired mercenaries known as the Contras who have been raping, murdering and terrorising the citizens of Nicaragua for a number of years? Perhaps the Minister would clarify this phrase to the House.
We are all very happy and glad that there have been free and fair elections in Nicaragua. We are glad there has been a result and a peaceful transition from the Ortega Government to the new government. We will do everything we can to help and encourage the new goverment to fulfil their role and responsibility.
The answer as read to the House by the Minister included the phrase "the Nicaraguan resistance". I am referring very specifically to the statement of 27 February. Does it refer to the 13,000 mercenaries located in Honduras or to the 2,000 who occasionally make advances into northern Nicaragua? These people have in the last two months killed 15 people in an area of 25,000 people and indeed they disembowelled one young man. Is the Minister referring to that band of hired murderers and terrorists as the Nicaraguan resistance? In what sense are they a resistance?
There is no argument between Deputy Higgins and myself.
It was a very unfortunate use of words, it is uncomfortably close to "freedom fighters".
The Deputy recognises the situation as it now is, there is a Government in place and whatever army exists will be under their full control, which is the way we want it to be.
I want to ask——
I want to bring in other Deputies.
Yes, of course.
I will allow Deputy Higgins a brief supplementary.
Will the Minister use the office of the Irish Presidency to make sure that language such as the words contained in the statement of 27 February will not be used again?
Deputy Barry is offering.
In relation to Deputy Deasy's remarks, does the Minister appreciate that a report back to this House by the neutral observers would be helpful? However, that delegation had to travel on funds provided by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which is strictly not their business. If such an occasion arose in the future and the House felt it was helpful or appropriate that observers should be sent to an election, would his Department consider funding it? I do not want a commitment now but I should like the Minister to consider it.
I would be quite prepared to consider that.
Deputy Higgins referred to the resistance——
No, the Minister called them that.
Is the Minister aware of the unconditional form of agreement which has been announced by the defeated President of Nicaragua and that the armed forces are still intact and apparently loyal to the defeated president? Is the EC—and the Minister as President of the EC Council— aware that they pose a very serious threat to the democratic process in that country?
They are loyal to the constitution of Nicaragua.
I am sure Deputy Deasy will agree that the only situation we could countenance from the point of view of Ireland or the Community is that the democratically elected Government should have full authority and responsibility for any and all armed forces in the country.