§ 35. Dr. Marekasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now propose to Argentina the immediate resumption of diplomatic relations.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweWe want to secure more normal relations with Argentina. Since 1982 we have taken a series of initiatives to achieve this, but the Argentine Government have failed to respond constructively. The best way forward is through co-operation on practical matters of interest to both countries.
§ 55. Mr. Baldryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times since 199W 1982 Her Majesty's Government have entered into negotiations with the Argentine Government; on each occasion who initiated such talks; and, on each occasion, who was responsible for breaking off such talks.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweWe have taken a series of initiatives since 1982 designed to lead to discussions with Argentina on practical issues of interest to both countries. We took steps at the International Monetary Fund meeting in Toronto in September 1982 to reach agreement with the Argentine Government on reciprocal lifting of financial restrictions. Argentina has still not fully implemented that agreement. We also repeatedly proposed the mutual lifting of trade restrictions and took the initiative in arranging the Berne talks in July 1984. At those talks the Argentine representatives departed from the arrangements specifically agreed in advance for dealing with the sovereignty issue. The talks therefore came to an end.
§ 98. Mr. Yeoasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about relations with the Argentina.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweWe have since 1982 taken a series of initiatives designed to open the way to more normal relations with Argentina. The Argentine Government have yet to respond constructively. But have maintained their insistence that we agree to discuss sovereignty over the Falklands before they will discuss any aspect of our bilateral relations.
§ 103. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made towards resuming full diplomatic and trade links with Argentina.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweWe have taken a series of initiatives since 1982 intended to secure more normal relations with Argentina. These included repeated proposals for the mutual lifting of trade embargoes. Following Argentina's persistent refusal to respond constructively we lifted unilaterally our restrictions on Argentine imports to the United Kingdom in July 1985. Argentina has not yet reciprocated.