Central America

HC Deb 19 October 1988 vol 138 cc877-8

5. Mr. Flannery

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next expects to have discussions with the Government of the United States of America regarding the recent developments in the Central American peace process.

Mr. Eggar

We have regular discussions with the United States Administration on a wide range of issues, including developments in the Central American peace process.

Mr. Flannery

Does the Minister agree that the will towards peace of all the peoples, Governments and nations of Central America is now greater than it has ever been, as well as the chances and opportunities? Does he realise that the freely elected Government of Nicaragua, no matter what anyone says—this is attested to by people of this country who were in Nicaragua at the time of the election —are being harassed by the Contras? Is he aware of the new development that has resulted in more money being supplied to the Contras in the guise of certain forms of aid? Instead of producing generalised answers, such as his answer to the main question, will he realise that, if we are democratic, the British Government must talk to the American Government and try to persuade them not to send money to those who are led by people of the old Somoza regime? For 30 years that tyrannical group was brutal to the people of Nicaragua.

Mr. Eggar

I note what the hon. Gentleman says. However, his analysis is not widely shared, even within Central America. For example, I met President Arias of Costa Rica this morning. He urged that the Nicaraguans should take a stronger line on compliance with the Esquipulas accord. He stressed that, in his view, Nicaragua had failed to honour its commitments to democratise.

Sir Jim Spicer

Have any representations been made by Her Majesty's Government to the Nicaraguan Government about the plight of the leaders of the Conservative party, the Christian Democrats, the Socialist party and trade unionists, who, having taken part in a peaceful demonstration in the spring, were arrested and placed in gaol, and have remained there ever since?

Mr. Eggar

We were most concerned by that development and by the way in which democratic leaders of the Opposition were arrested. As my hon. Friend has said, some of them are still in gaol. I was amazed when I read a letter that the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition wrote to President Ortega, which was published in June, in which he praised President Ortega's commitment and skill. I presume that the right hon. Gentleman was praising President Ortega's commitment to suppressing democratic opposition within Nicaragua and his skill in pulling the wool over the eyes of Opposition Members.

Mr. Tony Banks

One of these days the Minister might have the courage to visit Nicaragua. In the meantime, how can anyone hold him to be sincere in his view about wanting peace in Central America when the Government allowed Adolfo Calero, a terrorist from the Contras, to enter Britain and attend the Tory party conference? Why was that terrorist allowed into the country? What assistance did the Foreign Office give to him?

Mr. Eggar

The hon. Gentleman has a nerve. He arrived on Noriega's plane from Panama and stayed in Nicaragua for 24 hours before returning to the United Kingdom. That shows a great knowledge of what is going on in Nicaragua, as well as an interesting selection of friends and of ways to spend his holiday. As Mr. Calero went to Managua and had talks with the Sandinista Government, I do not see why he should not come to Britain.

Mr. Foulkes

Will the Minister calm down a little and recall the revelations made by the Speaker of the United States Congress, Jim Wright, of the CIA's involvement in destabilising Nicaragua? Will he give an assurance that there was no British complicity in that action? Given the constant repetition by the Government that we seek a peaceful solution to the problems of Central America, will he for once take his courage in his hands and condemn the American Government for unwarranted interference in the affairs of an autonomous country?

Mr. Eggar

As the hon. Gentleman knows, we support the Central American peace process. As I have said, President Arias made it clear this morning that he thinks that the Nicaraguan Government should and could do a great deal more to further the process and to move towards democracy within Nicaragua. United States policy is a matter for the United States.