GC31 Peace in Central America (1986P212)

WHEREAS we believe in God of love and justice; and

WHEREAS our United Church of Canada has a heritage of support for non-violent solutions to political differences; and

WHEREAS we believe that the best way to achieve a non-violent solution is through a process of free and honest negotiations; and

WHEREAS we believe that nations should have the right to choose their own form of government without outside influence; and

WHEREAS we believe the Canadian government continues to be active in humanitarian and social aid to Central America, but has not been sufficiently active in its support of the Contadora peace process in Central America:

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT The United Church of Canada:

1. CALL upon the Canadian government to increase its support of the Contadora peace process through provision of material support and technical assistance in the implementation of a peace agreement, and support of bilateral agreements between Nicaragua and its neighbours;
2. URGE the Secretary of State for External Affairs, in his address to the United Nations General Assembly (Sept. 1986), to highlight Canada’s commitment to peace through the Contadora peace process and its opposition to foreign military intervention and aid to the “contras”; CALL upon the Canadian government to issue a public statement, deploring or expressing Canada’s grave concern about the present military escalation;
3. URGE the government of Canada to press the government of the United States to accept and abide by the Contadora peace process, by:
   1. respecting the jurisdiction and decisions of the World Court (International Court of Justice, The Hague);
   2. ceasing all acts of war against Nicaragua, including aid to the “contras” and the trade embargo;
   3. stopping further militarization of the region, including military manoeuvres in Honduras;
4. INITIATE a massive medical aid project for Nicaragua’s civilians;
5. CALL upon the Canadian government to establish an appropriate Canadian diplomatic presence in Nicaragua.
6. URGE congregations and members of The United Church of Canada to write to their members of Parliament as well as the Secretary of State for External Affairs and to Steven Lewis, Canadian Representative to the United Nations, affirming the request of these resolutions.

GC31 1986 ROP, pp. 143-144, 628