§ 9. Miss Boothroydasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further discussions are planned by the European Community Foreign Ministers concerning the situation in Central America; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarThere is regular discussion of Central America within European political co-operation. The 12 have acted five times this year to support the Contadora peace process, most recently before the Esquipulas summit of the five Central American Presidents on 24–25 May, when the 12 called for prompt signature and implementation of a comprehensive and verifiable agreement. The next meeting of Foreign Ministers is on 16–17 June.
§ Miss BoothroydMay I urge the Secretary of State to use his forthcoming presidency of the Council to persuade the Community to speak with one voice in seeking the withdrawal of American funding of the Contras? Does he agree that the continued funding of the Contras' regime by the Americans is the greatest single obstacle to the signing of a peace treaty with the Contadoras?
§ Mr. EggarThe United States Government have reaffirmed their support for a comprehensive, viable and simultaneous settlement that would answer all the 21 Contadora objectives. They did that on 22 May. We hope very much that Nicaragua will negotiate seriously to reach such an agreement.
§ Mr. DeakinsCan the Minister tell us one thing that has changed in Central America as a result of co-ordinated action by the member states of the EEC on this issue? Can he say whether, during our presidency, we shall be leading the EEC in opposition to a decision that is likely to be taken this year by the House of Representatives in favour of military aid to the Contras?
§ Mr. EggarThe solution to the problems of Central America rest with the Contadora countries and the Latin America support group. Our role within the EEC, as 320 President of the EEC and as the United Kingdom Government, is to support peace processes, and we shall continue to do so.
§ Mr. FoulkesWill the Minister answer the key question? As the Government are on record as condemning all state-sponsored terrorism, will they condemn the United States Government for their sponsorship — state sponsorship — of the Contra terrorists in Nicaragua?
§ Mr. EggarAs usual, the hon. Gentleman goes right over the top. The Government have consistently advocated negotiations rather than violence. We have advocated a balanced approach rather than the one-sided rhetoric that comes from Opposition Members. We believe that there should be a comprehensive solution to comprehensive problems.
§ Mr. BeithIf Nicaragua signs the proposals put forward by its neighbours and there is no change in the attitude of the United States, what will European Ministers do?
§ Mr. EggarThe United States Government have stated clearly that they support the Contadora process. If Nicaragua signs an agreement, presumably the United States Government will support the agreement.