CONFIDENTIAL
EL SALVADOR: THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S POSITION
We are convinced that a political solution remains essential for the restoration of peace and stability in Central America. That is why Britain has expressed full support for the efforts which the Contadora Group of countries (Panama, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela) are making to promote the resolution of problems within and between the Central American countries in a framework of regional multilateral negotiation acceptable to those countries. The Contadora objectives, which have been accepted by all parties, include an end to support for cross-border subversion and destabilization of Central American governments; an end to the arms race and foreign military bases and advisers; elimination of the traffic of arms; full pluralist democracy; and respect for human
rights.
Together with our European partners we have played an active diplomatic role in support of the efforts of the Contadora Group and have consistently urged the Central Americans to respond positively to the calls made by the Contadora States to conclude negotiations and to sign the Contadora Act. In addition to normal diplomatic exchanges, the Twelve members of the European Community have sent five joint messages to the Central American States this year aimed at encouraging them to engage in serious negotiations.
We have made it clear that we advocate a political solution to the problems of Central America on the basis of the Contadora objectives rather than a military solution. We do not believe the problems of the area can be resolved by armed force. We have constantly urged restraint on all sides. We regularly discuss important questions
with the United States who are well aware of our views.
We gave practical demonstrations of our support for the Contadora process at the meetings of European, Central American and Contadora Foreign Ministers which took place at San José in September 1984 and at Luxembourg on 11/12 November 1985. The Luxembourg meeting fulfilled the undertaking made at San José to establish closer political and economic links between the European Community and the countries of Central America. A "Final Act" was signed committing
SAL/86/5
CONFIDENTIAL
the
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.