§ 28. Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress he has made towards restoring diplomatic relations with Argentina.
§ Mr. EggarIt is premature to think of restoring diplomatic relations with Argentina; progress must first be made on removing practical barriers and increasing confidence.
But we have noted remarks made by President Menem and Foreign Minister Cavallo during and after the inauguration. We have consistently stressed our readiness to work for more normal relations with Argentina by making progress on practical matters while excluding sovereignty. If the Argentines are now moving towards that position, then a prospect for progress may be opening up.
§ Mr. FoulkesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response Her Majesty's Government have made to the offer of President Carlos Menem of Argentina in relation to talks on the resumption of bilateral relations.
§ Mr. EggarWe have as yet received no formal proposal from President Menem but we have noted reports that he would be willing to move towards a resumption of diplomatic relations.
We have consistently expressed our readiness to work for more normal relations with Argentina by making progress on practical issues, while excluding sovereignty. If the Argentines are now moving towards that position, then a prospect for progress may be opening up.
It is premature to be talking of a resumption of diplomatic relations; progress must first be made on removing practical barriers to trade and communications and on rebuilding confidence.