CORRESPONDENCE
CORRESPONDANCE 1. THE AGENT OF NICARAGUA TO THE REGISTRAR OF THE
INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE
[See pp. 3-8, supra]
2. THE REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF NICARAGUA
28 July 1986
1have ihe honour io acknouledge receiprof iwo Applicaiion\ by ihc Rcpublic
01'Nicaragua. one in\iiruting procccdings againsr ihe Republi; of Cos13 Ricd
and the orher ricrtinst the Reoublic of Hondurs. borh filed in the Rc-.strv
today, 28 Jily 1986, at 10.00.a.m. local time.
The Government of Costa Rica and the Government of Honduras are
informed by me by telex' of the filing of the Applications. In accordance with
Article 38, paragraph 4, of the 1978 Rules of Court, a certified copy of the
relevant Application will be immediately transmitted to the Governments con-
cerned.
(Signed) Santiago TORRES BERNARDEZ.
3. LE GREFFIER AU MINISTRE DES RELATIONS EXTERIEURES ET DES CULTES
DU COSTA RICA
28 juillet 1986.
Comme suite à mon télex'de ce jour, j'ai l'honneur de confirmer à Votre
Excellence que le Gouvernement de la République du Nicaragua a déposé
aujourd'hui, 28juillet 1986,à 10heures du matin, au Greffe de la Cour interna-
tionale de Justice,à La Haye, une requêteintroduisant une instance contre le
Gouvernement de la République du Costa Rica.
Votre Excellencevoudra bien trouver ci-joint, conformémentaux articles 40,
paragraphe 2, du Statut et 38, paragraphe 4, du Règlementde la Cour, copie
certifiée conforme de ladite requête. Je lui ferai prochainement parvenir
d'autres exemplairesde la requéte.enquestion, dans l'édition imprimée, établie
par les soins du Greffe, qui en contiendra également latraduction en langue
française.
Je saisis cette occasion pour attirer l'attention de Votre Excellence sur I'ar-
ticle40du Règlementde la Cour qui dispose, àson paragraphe2, que dèslarécep-
tion de la copie certifiéeconforme de la requêteou le plus tôt possible après,
le défendeur fait connaîtreà la Cour le nom de son agent. Le paragraphe 1du
mêmearticle dispose que lesagents doivent avoir au siègedela Cour un domicile
éluauquel sont adresséestoutes les communications relatives à l'affaire.
' Not reproduced
Non reproduit.128 BORDER AND TRANSBORDER ARMED ACTIONS
4. THE REGISTRA TO THE SECRETARY-OENERAL
OF THE UNITED NATIONS
28 July 1986.
With reference to my telex message' transmitted to you today, 1have the
honour to communicate to you herewith a copy of the Application instituting
proceedings against the Repuhlic of Costa Rica filed hy the Government of the
Republic of Nicaragua in the Registry of the Court at 10a.m. on 28 July 1986.
The usual printed bilingual edition is in preparation, and copies will he supplied
to you as soon as possible with a view to the notification contemplated by
Article 40, paragraph 3,of the Statute of the Court.
5. THE MlNISTER FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS AND ECCLESIASTICAL MATIERS OF
COSTA RICA TG THE REGlSTRAR
12 August 1986.
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 28 July 1986
as well as the certified copy of the Application presented by the Republic of
Nicaragua before that Court instituting proceedings against the Repuhlic of
Costa Rica.
The Government of Costa Rica has taken due note of this Application and
has started to take al1the necessary steps to prepare its defense.
To comply with Article 40, paragraph 2, of the Rules of the Court, we are
in the process ofselectingOurAgent. In the course of the month of August, we
will be in a position to indicate to the Court the name of OurAgent, as wellas
the address in The Hague to receivenotifications and communicationsin regard
to this affair.
In acknowledging receipt of the Application presented by the Republic of
Nicaragua, 1would liketo inform the Courtthat the Government of Costa Rica
reservesthe right to present, in due course, a counter-claim against the Republic
of Nicaragua, as authorized by Article 80 of the Rules of the Court.
(Signed)Rodrigo M~RIGALNETO.
18August 1986.
With reference to the Application instituting proceedings filed by the
Repuhlic of Nicaragua in the Registry of the Court on 28 July 1986,I have the
honour to transmit to you herewith a copy of a letter in Spanish', to which an
English text is annexed, from the Minister of External Relations of the Republic
of Costa Rica. The letter is dated 12 August 1986.
Not reproduced. CORRESPONDENCE 129
21 août 1986
Le 28juillet 1986a étédéposéeau Greffe de la Cour internationale de Justice
une requête par laquellelaRépiihliquedu Nicaragua a introduit contre la Répu-
blique du Costa Rica une instance en l'affaire desctions urmées frontulières
et trunsfontolières (Nicuruguoc. CosluRica).
J'ai l'honneur, toutes fins utiles, de vous transmettre ci-joint un exemplaire
de cette requête.
8. THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAI RELATIONS AND
ECCLESIASTTCAI MATTERS OF COSTA RICA 1'0 THE REGISTRAR
(telex)
I Septemher 1986.
No. 851-86-dnm. 1have the honour to notifv the Court that the Government
of Costa Rica his appoinred Mr. Edgar ~gald; as itr Agent in accordance uith
Article 40, paragraph 2. of the Rules of Couri as stated in ihe Minisier's leiierr
of 12 ~ueust. For notifications and communications we have selected the
following addresses :
The Hague:
Paul Just de la Paisières
Consul of Costa Rica
Meloenstraat No. 122
The Hague, Netherlands
Cahle : CONSULRICA
Telephone: 070-254857
Rotterdam:
Salomon Jean Renéde Monchy
Consul-General
Meent 106
P.O. Box 762-3000 at Rotterdam
Cahle: CONGERICA
Telephone: 010-130320
010-120210
Mr. Ugalde shall notify the Court of any changes thereof should the case
aise.
By airmail our Foreign Minister Mr. Rodrigo Madrigal Nieto formally noti-
fied you of the above in letter dated August 29.
(Signed) Alva ANTILLON SALAZAR.
'Unecommunication analogue a étéadressée auautres EtatsMembres desNations
Unies etaux Etatsnon membres desNationsUniesadmis ester devant la Cour.130 BORDER AND TRANSBORDER ARMED ACTIONS
9. THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF NICARAGUA
3 September 1986.
1 have the honour to inform you that by a telex message received in the
Registry yesterday, the Government of Costa Rica has informed the Court of
the appointment of blr. Edgar Ugalde as ils Agent in the case concerning
Border and Transborder Armed Actions (Nicaragua v. Costa Rica). The
Agent's address for service at the seat of the Court is as follows:
c/o Mr. Paul Just de la Paisikres
Consul of Costa Rica
Melwnstraat 122
The Hague
Telephone: 070-254857
Cable address: CON~~RICA
The Government of Costa Rica has also indicated as an alternative address,
in case of need, that of the Consul-General of Costa Rica in the Netherlands,
Mr. Salomon Jean Renéde Monchy, Meent 106. P.O. Box 762-3000, Rotter-
dam. telephone 010-130320or 120210,and cable address:CONGERICA.
(Signed) Eduardo VALENCIA-OSPMA.
10. LE GREFFIER ADJOINT AU MINISTRE DES AFFAIRES ETRANGERES
DES PAYS-BAS
18 septembre 1986.
Me référantau paragraphe V des principes générauxde l'accord du 26 juin
1946entre le Gouvernement des Pays-Bas et la Cour internationale de Justice.
)'ai l'honneur de portej i,otre connaissance qu'en l'affaire des Acrrons ormies
fronralreres el rrunsfronralr~res lNrcora~ua c Cosla Ricaj le Gouvernernenl du
~icaraeua a désignecomme aaent S. EX:. M. Carlos Areüello Cornez. ambassa-
- - - -
deur A La Haye. De son càté,le Gouvernement du Costa Rica a désigné comme
agent S. Exc. M. Edgar Ugalde Alvarez, ambassadeur.
11. THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF NICARAGUA'
23 Septernber 1986.
1have the honour to inform Your Excellencythat the Presideut of the Court,
pursuant to Article 31 of the Rules of Court. wishes to receive the Agents of
the Parties to the case concerning Border and Transborder Armed Actions
(Nicaragua v. Costa Rica) at Il a.m. on Friday 17October 1986,for the purpose
of ascertaining their views witb regard to questions of procedure in the case.
-
' A communication inthe sametermr wassentto the Agentof Costa Rica. CORRESPONDENCE 131
12. THE REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF COSTA RICA'
22 October 1986.
1have the honour to inform vou that bv an Order' dated 21 October 1986.
the Court has fixed the following time-limits for the written proceedinps in thé
caTeconcerning Border and Trdnsborder Armed Acrions fNrcamgua \.Co.\ra
Rica).
For the Mernorial of the Republic of Nicaragua: 21 July 1987.
For the Counter-Mernorial of the Republic of Costa Rica: 21 April 1988.
The subsequent procedure including the date for the opening of oral pro-
ceedinns is reserved for further decision.1enclose the officia1sealedcopy of the
13. LE GREFFIER AU MINISTItE DES RELATIONS EXTERIEURES DU BRGSIL'
3 novembre 1986.
Par lettres du 21 août 1986. i'ai eu l'honneur de vous communiauer un
exemplaire de chacune dcs deuh iequëtes introductives d'instance pris~nt~es j.
la Cour p3r la Républiquedu Nicaragua contrr la République du Costa Kisa et
la ~éoubliaue du Honduras. resoectivement. dans les affaires des Actions
arméisfrontalières et rransf~onta;ères (~icaia~ua c. Costa Rica) et Aclions
arméesfrontalières et transfrontalières fNicarapua c. Honduras).
J'ai maintenant l'honneur de vous informer,premièrement, que, par ordon-
nance du 21 octobre 1986, la Cour a fixécomme suit les délaispour le dépôt
des piècesde la procédureécritedans l'affaire des Actions arméesfrontalières
et transfrontalières (Nicaragua c. Cosla Rica):
Pour le mémoirede la Républiquedu Nicaragua: le 21 juillet 1987.
Pour le contre-mémoire de la Républiquedu Costa Rica: le 21 avril 1988.
Deuxièmement, par ordonnance du 22 octobre 1986, la Cour a fixécomme
suit les délaisour le dépôtdes niècesde la urocédureécrite relativesaux aues-
tionr de la compétencede la cour et de la rccciabilit~ Je la requêtcdans l'affaire
dcs Acrions arméesfronlalrr'reç el rrans/ronralieres lNrcorogrrac. Honduras):
Pour le mémoirede la Républiquedu Honduras: le 23 février1987.
Pour le contre-mémoirede la Républiquedu Nicaragua: le 22 juin 1987
Dans les deux cas, la Cour a réservé lasuite de la procédure (c'est-à-dire en
particulier le déroulement de la procédure orale).
Le texte imprimé des ordonnances vous sera communiqué sous peu.
Enfin. i'ai recu oour instructions. conformément à l'article 43 du Réelement
dc la cour, d'appiler votre aitetition sur I'efait qur. dans lcr deux reqiétes. la
Képubliquedu Nicaragua in\oqus notamment le traitéamirisain de rcglemcnt
' A communicationin the sametermswassentto the Agentof Nicaragua.
* I.C.J.Reports 1986.p. 548.
' La mêmc eommunicationa été adressé aex Etatssuivants:Chili,Colombie.Haïti,
Mexique, Pérou, République dominicain et Uruguay.132 BORDER AND TRANSBORDER ARMED ACTIONS
pacifique (pacte de Bogotii) conclà la neuvieme conférenceinternationale des
Etats américainsen 1948. 11me faut aiouter ce~endant aue la orésentenotifica-
tion ne préjugeaucune décisionque la Cour pourrait êtreappelée à prendre en
application de l'article 63 du Statut.
14. THE REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF NICARAGUA '
II November 1986.
I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that, pursuant to Article 43 of
the Rules of Court, 1was recently instructed by the Court to draw to the notice
of the parties to the American Treaty on ~a~ific Settlement (Pact of Bogoti)
concluded at the Ninth International Conference of American States in 1948,
the fact that the Reoublic of Nicaraeua invokes. interulia. that treaty in ils AD-
plication instituiingproceedings in ;hccase concerninord d erd fransborder
Armed Aclions (N~curaguo v. Coslu Rica).
The relei,ani noiifications uere carried oui by leiiers dated 3 November 1986.
15. THE AOENT OF COSTA RICA TO THE REGiSTRAR
12 November 1986.
1have the honor to inform you, in reference to the Press Release' number
86/13 and in accordance io theierms of the meîting held ai The Hague last Oc-
tober 17 IOfix the time-limits for the uriitcn proceedings. that the Governmeni
of Costa Rica confirms that it fullv accepts the iurisdiciion of the Court and
consequently does not intend to challe& said jirisdiction in this case.
However, this does not preclude the possibility that preliminary objections
against the Application submitted by Nicaragua on 28 July 1986, other than
those opposing the Court's jurisdiction, might eventually be raised by the
Government of Costa Rica at the appropriate lime and in conformity with Arti-
cle 79 of the Rules.
(Signed) Edgar UOALDE ALVAREZ.
16. LE GREFFIER AU SECRÉTNRE AUX RELATIONS EXTARIEURES
DU HONDURAS
20 novembre 1986.
J'ai l'honneur de me référerA la lettre du 21 août 1986par laquelle je vous
ai communiqué un exemplairede la requête introductived'instance présentée à
la Cour par la Républiquedu Nicaragua contre la République du Costa Rica
' A communication inthe sametermswassentto the Agentof Costa Rica
' Norreproduccd. CORRESPONDENCE 133
en l'affaire concernant des Actions armées frontalières et transfrontalières
(Nicaragua c. Costa Rica), ainsi qu'à l'ordonnance en date du 21 octobre 1986
Dar laauelle la Cour. tout en réservant lasuite de la orocédure. a fixé comme
;uit le; dates dsexpi;ation des délaispour le dépôtdes pieces &rites en cette
affaire: pour le mémoire du Nicaragua, le 21 juillet 1987; pour le contre-
mémoiredu Costa Rica. le 21 avril 1988. Voustrouverez ci-joint un exemplaire
de cette ordonnance.
J'ai reçu pour instructions, conformément à l'article 43 du Règlementde la
Cour. d'aooeler votre attention sur le fait oue. dans sa.reau.te. laRénubliaue
du ~icar&ua invoque notamment le traité américain dereglement picifique
(pacte de Bogot.4)conclu A la neuvième conférenceinternationale des Etats
américainsen 1948.11me faut ajouter cependant que la présentenotification ne
préjugeaucune décisionque la Cour pourrait êtreappeléeAprendre en applica-
tion de l'article 63 de son Statut.
17. THE REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF COSTA RICA
21 November 1986
1 have the honour to acknowledee receiot of Your Excellencv's letter of
12November 1986recalling the posiibility of your ~overnment'iraisin~ pre-
liminary objections, al the appropriate rime and in conformity with Article 79
of the Rules of Court. in the case concerni-e Border and Transborder Armed
Actions (Nicaragua v. Costa Rica).
1 am transmitting a copy of your letter to the Agent of Nicaragua in the
aforesaid case.
18. THE MINISTER 0.i.FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS AND ECCLESIASTICAL MATTERS OF
COSTA RICA TO THE REGISTRAR
(telex)
2 December 1986
1have the honour to inform the Court that OurGovernment has decided to
a~~oint Dr. Ratil Treios Flores. as Co-Agent of the Reoublic of Costa Rica in
the case.concernine Border and ~ransborder ~rmed~clions fNicara~ua v.
~-
Costa Rica) (1986.%eneral List No. 73).
Please accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.
(Signed) Carlos RIVERA BIANCHINI.
19. THE REGISTRAR 10 THE AGENT OF NICARAGUA
\
3 December 1986.
1have the honour 10 inform you that by a telex messagereceivedtoday in the
Registry,the Government of Costa Rica has informed the Court of the appoint-
i134 BORDER AND TRANSBORDER ARMED ACTIONS
ment of Dr. Raul Trejos Flores as its Co-Agent in the case concerning Border
and Transborder Armed Actions (Nicaragua v. Costa Rica).
20. LE GREFFIER AU MINISTRE DES AFFAIRES ETRANGERES
DES PAYS-BAS
Il décembre 1986.
Me référantau oa.aer-.he V des orincines n6nérauxde l'accord du 26 juin
1946enire le Gouvernement des pays-~as èt lacour internationale de ~ustice.
j'ai L'honneurde purtcr àvotre connaissonce qu'en L'affairedes Acrtonsjronro-
lieres er rronslronralrèrrs lh'ir.uruauac. Coctu Ricul le Gouiirncmrni du Coila
Rica a dési&&M. Raul ~rejos Flores comme coagent.
21. THE REGISTRAR 70 THE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFNRS
OF THE NETHERLANDS
12 June 1987
With reference to rny predecessor'r letter 77044 of II December 1986.1 have
the honour to advise Your Excellency that, as 1have been informed, the Co-
Agent of Costa Rica in the case concerning Border and Transborder Armed
Actions (Nicaragua v.Cosra Rica), Mr. Ratil Trejos Flores, and Mrs. Nair Bap-
tiste Pereira Trejos, are at present in The Hague and have taken up residence
at Offenberglaan 1, Flat 25A, Marlot, The Hague (tel. 853253).
1am confident that, in connection with the residence of Mr. Trejos and his
wife, Your Excellency will be extending to them every privilege, immunity and
facility consonant with paragraph 5 of the genetal principles set out in the
aooendix to the exchaiiae of letters betwee. you~ predecessor and the then Presi-
déntOf the Court on 26 June 1946.
(Signedl Eduardo VALENCIA-OSPINA.
22. THE AGENT OF COSTA RICA TO THE REGISTRAR
22 June 1987.
1have the honour to inform the Court that my Government has established
provisional offices in The Hague and has a new address in this city for service,
where al1 communications concerning Our pending case before that Court
should be delivered.
The new address is:
Lange Voorhout 58,
2514 EG 's-Gravenhage.
Telephone: 46 96 60.
Telex No. :32561 (Hague NI). BORDER AND TRANSBORDEA RRMEDACTlONS
136
becauseit gives grounds to consider that the casenow before the International
C~~rt of Justice is beine utilized bv the Government of Nicaragua for political
purposes, in view of se forthcoking meeting of the ~residënts of-central
America that will be held in Guatemala on 61 August 1987. And in considera-
tion of the hieh esteemand resnect that Our Government has for the Interna-
tional Court of ~ustice, Costa &a strongly opposesany attempt on the part of
Nicaragua to make useof the casebefore that High International Tribunal for
The Gove;nrnent of Costa Rica suspectsthat the request for an eLtension of
the time-limit for filinr: the Memorial as prr\ented by the Honourable Agcnt of
~i~ ~ ~ ~ could -ons~ ~ute a manoeuvre that could be utilized as oolitical
pressuG in the Meeting of Presidents of Central America. with the intent of
deleting the democratization aspectscontained in the Plan of Peaceof the Presi-
d~~ ~ ~ ~osta Rica. to which iisoect Nicaraeua i- O..OS~~
In spite of the above considerations, the Government of Costa Rica is not
o~posed to the extension of the time-limit for the filings of the Memorial that
ha; requested the Honourable Agent of the Republic of Nicaragua.
21 July 1987.
1 have the honour io refer to Your Excellency's telex messagereceived on
17 July 1987, requesting an extension of the time-limit for the filing of the
Memorial of the Republic of Nicaragua in the case concerning Border and
Transborder Armed AcIions (Nicaragua v. Costo Rico), and to send you
herewith a copy of a letter dated 21 July 1987. and received in the Registry
today, from the Agent of Costa Rica, setting out the views of his Government
o~ ~~at reauest.
After considering the request and the views of the Government of Colta Rica,
the Vice-Pre\idcnt of the Court. Acting Presidcnt, has decided 10 extend the
time-limit for the filing cilthe \lem.irial of Nicaragua Io 10August 1987and
the timc-limir for the filing of the Counter-Memorial of Costa Rica to 2 June
1988.The appropriatc Order. to that effecr will be transmittcd IO >ou shortly.
27. THE RECISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF COSTA RICA
21 July 1987
1 have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency's letter of 21
July 1987,setting out the views of the Government of Costa Rica on the request
made bv the ~ocernment of Nicaraeua for an extension of the the-limit for the
filing of the Memorial of Nicaragua in the caseconcerning Border and Trans-
border Armed Actions (Nicorapua v. Costo Rica).
After considering the rcqucst and thc viewsof the Governmeni of Costa Rica.
the Vice-Presidcnt of the Court. Acting President. has decided to exiend the
'I.C.J. Reporls 1987. p. 179. CORRESPOPDENCE 137
iime-limit for ihe filing of the Memorial of Nicaragua tu 10 Augurt 1987and
the lime-limii for thc filing of the Counier-Memoriiil of Costa Rica io 2 June
19R8.The appropriale Order to thai effest will be transmitied to you shortly.
28. THE REGlSTRAR TO THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE ORGANtWTlO NF
AMERlCAN STATES
21 July 1987
1 have the honour to inform you that in the case concerning Border and
TransborderArmedAcrions(N;caragua v. Honduras), brought before the Court
bv Nicaraeu-. one of the hases of iurisdiction for the Court relied on bv
Nicaragua is Article XXXl of the American Treüty on Pasific Seillemerit Il'act
of Bogot.4)concluded ai the Ninih Iniernaiional Conference of American Staics
in 1948.Honduras has however contended, interulia, that Article XXXl of that
Treaty cannot be invoked as a basis of jurisdiction independently of Article
XXXII. and that the latter Article arecludes any unilateral application to the
Court excepi on certain condiiions'which. in ihc view of on dura are not
saiisfied in this case. The proceedings ihereforeappear 10 raisequestions of con.
struction of the Pact of Bogot.4.
The Court bas directed that the initial pleadings inthe case be directed toques-
tions of jurisdiction and admissibility, and those pleadings have now been filed:
on 20 October 1987oral proceedings willopen, with a viewto a judgment being
given by the Court on those questions.
Article 34, paragraph 3, of the Statute of the Court provides as follows:
"3. Whenever the construction of the constituent instrument of a pub-
lic international oreanization or of an international convention ado~ted
thereunder is in question in a case before the Court. the Registrar shail so
notify the public international organization concerned and shall com-
municate toit copies of al1the wriken proceedings."
The Pact of Bogot.4 appears to fali ln the category of conventions con-
templated by this Article, since it provides in its preamble as follows:
"ln the name of their peoples, the Governments represented at the Ninth
International Conferenceo~ ~~ ~ica~ ~~ ~es have resolved. in fulfillment
of Article XXIllof the Charter ofthe Organization of~merica& Siores, to
conclude the following Treaty: . . ."(Emphasis added.)
In these circumstances the Court has instructed me to communicate 10 the
Organization of American States copies of al1the written proceedings. 1accord-
ingly have the honour to enclose herewith copiesof the Application instituting
vroceedines. the Memorial submitted bv the Government of Honduras. and the
counter-Mehorial submitted by the ~iovernment of Nicaragua, togelher with
the annexes to those pleadings.
I This instruction was given pursuant to Article 69, paragraph 3, of the Rules
of Court, which is in the following terms:
"3. In thecircumstances contemplated byArticle 34, paragraph 3, of the
Statute, the Registrar, on the instructions of the Court, or of the President138 BORDER AND TRANSBORDER ARMED ACTIONS
if thecourt isnot sitting, shall proceed as prescribed in that paragraph. The
Court. or the President if the Court is not sittina. mav. as from the dateon
which'the ~e~istrar has communicated copies-& théwritten proceedings
and after consulting the chief administrative officer of the public interna-
tionalor-anizationioncerned. fix a time-limit within which the o-aaniza-
tion may submit tothe Court ils observations in writing. Theseobservations
shall be communicated ta the ~arties and may be discussed by them and by
the representative of the saidorganization during the oral proceedings."
The Vice-President of the Court. Acting President, has directed me further
to ask you to inform me as soon as possible whether the Organization of
American States would wish to submit to the Court observations on the matter
in accordance with Article 69, paragraph 3, of the Rulesof Court, and to inform
you that he has fixed 20 September 1987 as the time-limit within which such
observations may be filed.
Furthermore, I should inform you that Nicaragua has also instituted pro-
ceedings against the Republic of Costa Rica (Border and Transborder Armed
Actions fNicarapua v. Costa Rica)). and one of the bases of iurisdiction relied
on in thèsepro&edings also is ~rtkle XXXl of the Pact of ~ogoti. However,
the Government of Costa Rica has not yet indicated whether or not it contests
the claim of Nicaraeua to the existenceof jurisdiction on that basis. and it there-
fore appears premature to say whether a question of construction of Article
XXXl will arise in that case as well. 1enclose for your information a copy of
the An. .cation in thar case and of the Orders made by the Court on both cases.
Finally, for the sake of compleieness. 1should also drau your attention Io the
fa:[ thai in ils Applications in ihe\e ruo caser Nicaragua asçcri~ihat Honduraç
and Costa Rica ha\e commiiied breachcs 01 the Charter 01 the OAS and 01 the
Part of Bogota. Thex allegarions may also raise questions of construciion of
those IWO instrument\. but. in the prcicerdinga brought againsr Honduras al
least, the Court will only be called-upon to ëxamine such allegations if it is
satisfied that it has jurisdiction, a point which, as indicated, forms the subject
of the initial stage of those proceedings.
29. THE REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT Of NICARAGUA
21 July 1987
1have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency herewith a copy of a letter
1 have today sent to the Secretary General of the Organization of American
States. referring to the cases concerning Border and Transborder Armed
Actions (Nicaragua v. Honduras) and Border and Transborder Armed Actions
(Nicaragua v. Costa Rica).
30. THE RECISTRAR TO THE AGENT Of COSTA RICA
21 July 1987
1 have the honour to transmit to Your Excellencyherewith a copy of a letter
1 have today sent to the Secretary General of the Organization of American
States. Thisletter relates primarily to the case concerning Border and Trans-
\ CORRESPONDENCE 139
border Armed Actions (Nicaragua v. Honduras), but as you will observe,
reference is also made to the case concerning Border and Transborder Armed
Aclions (Nicaragua v. Cosra Rica).
31. THE SECRETARY OENERAL OF THE ORGANIUTION OF AMERlCAN STATES TO THE
REGISTRAR
29 July 1987.
1am pleased to acknowledge receipt of your note 78281, dated July 21, 1987,
enclosing a copy of al1the written proceedings on the case concerning Border
and Transborder Armed Actions (Nicaragua v. Honduras) brought before the
International Court of Justice by Nicaragua.
As to whether or not the Organization of American States wishes to submit
to the Court observations on the matter, 1am of the opinion that, in this case,
the Secretary General would not have the authority to make such observations.
Furthermore,the convening of the Permanent Council of the Organization on
this matter would require that each Member State be provided with copies of
al1the written proceedings on the case which may contravene the Rules of the
Court.
On the other hand, it is my understanding that the Court has already notified
al1 the other parties to the American Treaty on Pacific Settlement (Pact of
Bogota) on the fact that these proceedings appear to raise questions of the con-
struction of this Pact.
(Signed) Joao Clemente BAENA SOARES.
3 August 1987.
1have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency herewith a copy of a letter
dated 29 July 1987 and handed to me today by the Legal Adviser of the
Oreanization of American States containinp.the reply of the Secretary General
of ïhe OAS to my letter of 21 July 1987ref&ring to-the cases concerning Border
and Transborder Armed Actions (Nicaragua v. Honduras) and Border and
Transborder Armed Actions (Nicaragua v. Cosra Rica).
3 August 1987.
1have the honour to transmit to Your Excellencyherewith a copy of a letter
dated 29 July 1987 and handed to me today by the Legal Adviser of the
Organization of American States containing the reply of the Secretary Generai
of the OAS to my letter of 21 July 1987referring to the case concerning Border
and Transborder Armed Actions (Nicaragua v. Costa Rica). BORDER AND TRANSBORDER ARMED ACTIONS
140
34. THE AGENT OF NtCARAOUA TO THE REGtSTRAR
10 August 1987.
1have the honour to refer to the case concerning Border and Transborder
Armed Actions (Niraragua v. Costa Rica).
ByOrder of the Vice-President of the Court, Acting President, the time-limit
for the filing of Nicaragua's Memorial was extended until this August 10. 1987.
In compliance with this Order, 1proceed to file Nicaragua's Memorial.
35. THE AGENT OF NICARAGUA TO THE REGtSTRAR
10 August 1987.
1 have the honour to refer to the case concerning Border and Transborder
~~med ~ ~~o-- ~N~c.ra~ ~ - v. Costa Ri~~).
TheCourt requested the views of the Government of Costa Rica on the peti-
tion made by the Government of Nicaragua that the time-limit for the filin8 of .
ils ~emori~l be extended until August i0, 1987.
The Government of Costa Rica by means of a letter dated July 21, 1987set
out its views on the request made by the Government of Nicaragua.
The letter indicates that Nicaragua's request
"gi\es groiind IO consider ihat the case now before the Inlernaiional Court
of Ju,tiie is bcirig uiilized hy the Government of Nicaragua Torpoliiical
purposes . . .",
and further adds that
"The Government of Costa Rica susuecfs thaf the reauest for an exten-
sion . .. could constitute a manoeuvre that could be utilized as political
pressure in the (forthcoming) Meeting of Presidents of Central America.
with the intent of deletine the democratization asDects contained in the
Plan of Peace of the prisident of Costa Rica, to which Nicaragua is
opposed."
The Government of Nicaragua denies any merit to the considerations and
susoicions set out bv Costa Rica in the letter in reference.
~urthermore. ~icaragua uishes io point out that the Cosia Rican authoriiics
ihemselves had maiiiiested their pre.occupation with the iacl ihat the filing of
the Memorial of Nicaragua just a few days before the meeting of ~residënts
could damage theatmosphere of fraternityand mutual trust that should charac-
terize that meeting in order to achieve agreements that would foster peace in
Central America.
For this reason, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua personally
explained to the Costa Rican authorities that the extension of the time-limit for
the presentation of Nicaragua's Memorial, would alsohave the effect of elimi-
nating the worries voiced by Costa Rica.
In any case, the fact that Nicaragua is filing its Memorial today in fulfillment
of iis obligations. isadequaie pro07 of ~icar~gua's respect for ihc International
Court of Justice and the bçrenitywith which itperforms its international rcspon
sibilities.
1 CORRESPONOENCE 141
Finally, Costa Rica's "suspicions" are not legal concepts that can be ade-
quately addressed in the present instance. If might be added that even in the
instance of political negotiations the voicing of "suspicions" prior to discussions
is not precisely conducive to an adequate atmosphere for reaching agreements.
In this instance- and much lessin this letter - we cannot begin 10address
Nicaragua's position on the Peace Plan of the President of Costa Rica. All we
can sar is that Nicaragua demands what Latin America has demanded for
decade; and what ha, &en rire io the main coniribuiiun, of Laiin Amcrica to
international lau: respect for iis sovereignty and non-intervention in its interna1
affairs.
Lastly, since this letter is written after the meeting of the Central American
Presidents we can Say - certainly with hindsight but nonetheless truthfully -
that the will of Nicaragua is to reach peace in Central America.
36. THE REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF NICARAGUA
10August 1987.
I have the honour ro acknowledge ihc filing ioday of ihe Memorial of Your
Exscllency's Government in ilie case concerning Border und Transborder
Armvd Acr~onslNlcara~uu v.Cosro Rica/ toreiher u ith a certified eovv. u,hich
has been transmittcd toihe Ageiii of Corn ~ica, four volumes of ~nn&çs. une
set of which has likeuise heen iransmitied to thst Agent. and a number of plain
copies of both the Memorial and ils Annexes.
1 also acknowledge the receipt of two letters bearing today's date, one of
which constituted a letter of transmittal in regard 10 the Memorial. A copy of
each of these letters has been conveyed 10 the Agent of Costa Rica.
Note has been taken that traiislation work is proceeding with a view to full
compliance with Article 51 (3) of the Rules of Court. It will be appreciated if
the requisite translations into an official language of the Court are supplied as
soon as possible together with ihe appropriate certification of their accuracy.
37. THE REGISTRAR 10 THE AGENT OF COSTA RICA
10August 1987
1have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency herewith a certified copy
of the Memorial filed todav in the Reaistry bv the Aaent of Nicararua in the
case concerning Border and ~runsboreer ~rmed ~cri;>ns(~icaraguo v. Cosla
Rica), of the four volumes of annexes furnished therewith and of the accom-
panying letter of transmittal.
The attention of the Agent of Nicaragua has been drawn to the fact that
translations of certain documents of which only the Spanish text has been sup-
nli~~ will have to be nrovided in accordance with Article 51 (3)of the Rules of
Eourt. It is understo'od that the work of translation has beèn'put in train.
Further copies of the Memorial and Annexes will be supplied very shortly for142 BORDER AND TRANSBORDER hRhbED ACTIONS
38. THE REOISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF COSTA RICA
10 August 1987.
I have the honour to transmit herewith to Your Excellency a copy of a letter
.~ todav's-da~ ~ ~~~~~ ~ the Aeent~of~-icaraeua in the case concerninr! the
Border and Transborder Armed Actions (~icar&ua v.Costa Rica) presents the
observations ofhis Government on the views set out by the Government of
Costa Rica on 21 July 1987.
This letter was handed to me by the Agent of Nicaragua concurrently with the
filing of his Government's Memorial in the case.
39. THE AGENT OF NICARAGUA TO THE REGISTRAR
1I August 1987
1 have the honour to refer to the case concerning Border and Transborder
Armed Actions (Nicaragua v. Cosla Rica).
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua, Father Miguel D'Escoto
Brockmann, has given me instructions as Agent of Nicaragua in the case in
reference, to file before the Court the letter of this same date addressed 10the
President of the Court which 1 enclose herewith.
This letter was written in Spanish' and a translation into English' is also
accomnanied. The document mentioned in the letter. that is the agreement'
signed'by the five Central American Presidents in Guatemala, is accompanied
in its oririnal Soanish language and a translation will be prepared and sent to
the court as soon as possible.-ln al1events, this document is well known by the
other party and the lack of an immediate translation will presumably no1cause
any unnecessary delays for them
Annex
Managua, August 11, 1987
Mr. President :
In an effort to reach the pacific solution of the situation of aggression that
Nicaragua is undergoing, and aware that "peace is the respect of the right of
others". the Government of Nicaraeua ca-e before the International Court of
Justice, the highest tribunal in the world, in order to denounce that the most
sacred principles and rules of international law that govern the relations among
soverei-enstates. were beina s-.tematicallv and danaerously violated by Costa
Rica. ihrough ihis country's active participatii,n in the miiitir, and paramilitary
aciiviiics of ihc United Siatcs againsi Nicaragua, u.hich hitd been iondemned hy
t~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~l Court of Justice ~ ~ ~s historic decision of June 27. 1986
Nevertheless, paiallel to the efforts that Nicaragua had been making in the
substantiation of its application against Costa Rica, and also previously to the
introduction of the application, Nicaragua continued to seëk through legal
'Nat reproduced.
'SeeAnnex Io this communication CORRESPONDENCE 143
means, a situation of respect for international law, that would guarantee the
legitimate national interests of Nicaragua and would remove the threat of war
in the Central American region.
These efforts have resulted in a regional agreement, signed in the city of
Guatemala last August 7, under the tiÏle of "procedures for hringing about a
stable peace in Central America", a copy of which we attach herewith.
~his~anreement. in ifs section 5. "termination of aid to irregular forces or
insurrectFonal mobements", and in its section 6, "non use of the territory for
the aggression of other states", establishesserious obligations. freely signed and
undertaken bv the five oresidents of the Central American area. among them
the ~residencof Costa ~ica, Oscar Arias Sanchez. Through, the enforCement
of these obligations, Costa Rica would strictly and faithfully comply with the
international commitments that thev have been violating in their relations with
Nicaragua and that constituted thé object of the application introduced hy
Nicaragua before this high tribunal.
section 5 of the regional agreement literally states, among other obligations,
the following:
"The governments of the five Central American States will request the
governments of the region and the governments outside the region that,
openly or covertly give military, logistical, financial or propaganda
assistance or aid in men, armaments, munitions or equipment to irregular
forces or insurrectional movements, that this aid be stopped, as an
indispensable element in order Io obtain a stable and lasting peace in the
region."
It is obvious that this commitment of the Central American Governments
imolies that. in the first olace. it must he the Central American Governments
thémselvesthat must put'an end to any type of aid and support that they give
to the irregular forces and insurrectional movements.
On the other hand, section 6 commits al1the Governments of the region that
have signed the agreement to
"stopping the use of their own territory and no1 Io give or permit Io be
given any military logistical support Io persons, organizations or groups
that attempt to destabilize the governments of the countries of Central
America".
The strict and faiihful ~.ompliançeof these commiiments would sati\fy the
main objecti\e sought by Nicaragua uhen iiintroduced its application againsi
Costa Rica on July 28, 1986 Thai objective. a, has insistently been poinied out
by Nicaragua. ras and continuer IO be peace, by means of restoring respect for
internaiional law. Guaranieeing peace bctueen Costa Rica and Nicaragua. by
means of law and iustice. has been the reason behind Nicaranua's a~olication.
The Governmeni of ~icaragua considers that the regionalagreeient signed
by the oresidents of Central America in the meeting known as "Esquipulas II",
c6nstitÜtes a transcendental and historical occurrence because of the obligation
accepted of "wholly assuming the historical challenge of forging a destiny of
peace for Central America".
Inorder to obtain the execution of that regional agreement, it was imperative
that there was the political will, a great faith and the disposition of certain
Governments to trust other Go\,ernments. This las1 element, the trust in the
-~o~~f~ ~ ~ ~ ~liance of the oblie-tions assumed. was ~articularlv necessarv in
the case of Nicaragua, a nation faced with a cruel and inhuman war of aggres-
sion. that has been made possible by the active participation of neighbouring144 BORDER AND TRANSBORDEA RRMEDACTIONS
countries, that have been giving al1 type of facilities and support and have
~ ~ -~~~ ~ ~~themselv~ ~in~ ~e war of aeeression--eainst Nicaraeua. as is
evidenced in the Memorial filed this August 10 in the caseagainst ~&ta Rica.
Within the soirit and will of continuina to foster in al1 things possible the
~~~~-~of~ne7~i i~ Centr~l~America. ~icaraeua wishes to absiain from anv
action. no maticr hou. legitimate, that could clog the atmosphere of muiual trust
useful to the full comoliancc of al1the oblindiions underiaken in the ~residential
agreementof '.~squi~ulas II", in particul; those referring to no1peimitting thc
useof the ierritury for aciiviiies of any type aimed at ihc destabilization or over-
throw of the Governments of the reaion. With this obiective. Nicaraaua wishes
the suspension of the proceedings IR the case submitkd againsi ~osia Rica in
the International Courr of Ju~ticc. if and only \aid country doesnot oppose ihis
Acting wiih repon>ibiliiy and good faith. Nicaragua irvsts that the com-
pliancc of Costa Rica with the commitmenis undcrtaken by the Presidents of
Central America in Guatemala. will satisfv the iust demands it made in its
application against Costa Rica. Full compli~nce wifh thesecommitments would
fully satisfy Nicaragua and adequately fulfill the aims so.ught in ils judicial
recourse. ln soite of the erave international resoonsibilities incurred bv Costa
Rica by its illicit conducc it has not been the main objective of ~icaragua to
ohtain the condemnation of this country. but to put a stop to the war of aggres-
sion that the oeoole of Nicaraeua are sufferinn.
The Governmént of Nicaragua recognizes>n the International Court of
Justice a fundamental proceeding for peace amongst peoples and nations.
Recourse to this high tribunal has meant a clear and invaluahle support to the
cause of peace in Central America and the strengthening of the international
iuridical order. Nicaraaua will continue putting its faith in the Court asthe pro-
ceeding par excellence~forthe paciiic soluiionof controver,ies. Nicaragua also
trusts ihai Costa Rica will accepi io bring before ihis Courr. the conrroversies
which in the future may occur in its relations with Nicaragua. Th. Government
of Nicaragua for its part, maintains its firm disposition of continuing to have
recourse to these means of pacific solution in al1those situations that merit it.
1avail myself of this occasion, Mr. President, to renew the assurancesof my
highest consideration.
Miguel D'Esco~o BROCKMANN,
Minister of Foreign Affairs.
40. THE REOISTRAR TO THE AGENT OP NICARAGUA
11 August 1987.
1havethe honour ti) acknowledeerece-ot of Your Excellencv's letter of todav
addressed IO me, together wirh a copy of a communication dated also 1I Aupusi
1987.drafied in Spanirh and iran,lated into tngli\h. addressedio the Presideni
of the International Court of Justice by the Minisier for Foreign Affairs of
Nicaragua a\ well as a copy. in the original Spanish, of the Agreement signed
at G~atemala City on 7 Augu~i IV87 by the Preïideni\ of fi\,e Central American
States
The documents mentioned ahove have been hrought to the attention of the
President of the Court and copies thereof have beentransmitted immediately to CORRESPONDENCE 145
the Agent of Costa Rica in the caseconcerning Border and Transborder Armed
Aclions (Nicaragua v. Costa Rica) under cover of a letter copy of which 1am
also enclosing herewith.
41. THE REGISTRAR TO THE AGEN T F COSTA RICA
1I August 1987.
1 have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency herewith a copy of a letter
handed to me today by the Agent of Nicaragua in the caseconcerning Border
and Transborder Armed Aclions fNicara~uo v. Cosra Rica). This letter was
a~companied hy a sopy ofa comm~nicario~ dated also II August 19x7.drafted
in Spanish and irünslated inIo Eiigliqh. addrzswd to the Prcsideni oi the Couri
bg rhr Slini>ter for Foreign ,\flairs of Nicarÿguü. iogether \%iilia sopy in ihe
original Spanish of the Agreemeiii rignrd ai C;uatemrtlaCity on 7 Augurt 1987
bv ihe Presideni5 of five Central American Stair\. 1 am also iransinitiinr
-
~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~s of the a~o~e~m~~ti~n~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
May 1 dFaw ~our Excellency's attention Io the passagein the letter of the
Foreign Minister of Nicaragua whereby he indicates that his country "wishes the
suspension of the proceedings in the casesubmitted against Costa Rica in the
International Court of Justice, if and only said country does not oppose this
suspension".
42. THE AGENT OF NICARAGUA TO THE RECISTRAR
12 August 1987.
1 have the honour to refer Io ihe caseconcerning "Border and Transborder
Arrned Actions INicara~ua v. Costa Rical".
With the puriose of giving Costa ~icaan opportunity IO comply fully and
faithfully with the Agreements of Esquipulas II, in the atmosphere of fraternity
that should distinguish this regional peace process,Nicaragua discontinues the
judicial procedures instituted against Costa Rica in the International Court of
Justice on July 28. 1986.
~ccordin~l;, the Government of Nicaragua respectfully requeststhe Court Io
take the necessary stepsto irnplement this request.
43. THEREGISTRAR TO THEAGENT OF NICARAGUA
12 August 1987.
- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ur ~o ac~-o~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - ~of vour communication dated 12
August 1987, giving notice of discontinuance of the proceedings instituted on
28 Julv 1986by the Reuublic of Nicaragua against the Revublic of Costa Rica
and "rcqucsiing the ~o"ri to iake the ne;esraFy riepr to implement its request".
1also havethe honour to inform you ihat I have ioday transmiiied a certiçied
copy of your above-mentioned communication to the Agent of the other Party
by means of a letter, of which a copy is enclosed herewith, indicating that the 146 BORDER AND TRANSBORDER ARMED ACTIONS
President of the Court, pursuant Io Article 89, paragraph 3, of the Rules of
Court, has fixed on Tuesday 18 August 1987 at 6 p.m. the time-limit within
which the respondent may state whether it opposes the discontinuance of the
proceedings, as prescribed in paragraph 2 of that Article.
44. THE REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF COSTA RICA
12 August 1987.
With reference to the case concernina Border and Transborder Armed
Acrrons(NrcuraRuu v. cosra Rrca,. and io my leiter of II ~ugust 1987.
I have ihe honour io transmit herewiih a rçriified copy of a communication of
todav's date from the Aeent of the Reoublic of Nicaraaua. aivine notice of
discontinuance of the pro&dings instituied on 28 July 19786 bGhe Republic of
Nicaragua against the Republic of Costa Rica, and "requesting the Court to
.take the necéssarysteps 10 implement this request".
1also have the honour to inform you that the President of the Court, pur-
suant to Article 89, p~.agraph 3, of the Rules of Court, has fixed on Tuesday
18August 1987ai h p.m the time-lirnii wiihin which the rerpondcnt rnay siaie
uheiher itopporcs the discontinuance of the proceedings. as prcscribcd in
paragraph 2 of that Article.
A copy of this letter is being despatched ta the Agent of the Republic of
Nicaragua.
45. L'AMBASSADEUR DU HONDURAS AUX PAYS-BAS AU GREFF~R
13 août 1987.
J'ai l'honneur de porter à votre connaissance le désirdu Gouvernement du
- - - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~es ~ ~resde nrocédure écritedans l'affaire des Actions
arméesfrontoliPreset trunsfrontalières(Nicaragua c. Costa Rico).
En conformité avec l'article 53. pa~agra-~e 1, du Règlement, je vous prie
d'avoir l'obligeance de saisir la Cour de cette demande
(Signé) Mario CARiAs.
14August 1987.
1have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency herewith a copy of a letter,
dated 13August 1987and received in the Registry today. hy which the Govern-
ment of Honduras reauests. oursuant to Article 53. varaaraoh 1. of the Rules
of Court, that copies of the'pieadings in the case conCerniRg Border and Trans-
border Armed Actions (Nicuragua v. Costa Rica) be made availahle to it. In
accordance with that provision, I shall be obliged if Your Excellencywillinform
me of the views of the Government of Costa Rica in this respect.
' A communicationin the sameierms war sentto the Agent of Costa Rica CORRESPONDENCE
47. THE AGENT <IF COSTA RICA TO THE REOISTRAR
18 August 1987.
I have the honour of referring to the caseconcerning Borderand Transborder
Armed Actions (Nicoroguo v. Costa Rica).
1. On I2August 1987,the Government of Nicaragua expressedto the Interna-
tional Court of Justice its unilateral and voluntarv decision to disco~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~ ~ ~
unfounded action brought by il against costa ~&a on 28 July 1986and for-
malized on 10August 1987.despite the fact it had announced it would not oro-
ceed uith the cas< Iiiits petition, the Govcrnmcnt of Nicaragua requcstcd ;ha1
the Court takc thc ncicssary 5tcps IO implcment thc d~scontinuanc~.
2 BYan order dated also 0x1 12 August 1987. the President of the Court.
making useof the powersconferred on him inArticle 89(3)of the Rules, granted
Costa Rica a lime-limit, ending on 18August 1987a1 18:ûûhours, within which
to state whether itonnoses the discontinuance of the oroceedinns.
3. Within 1hctim;-iimit fihed for th15purposc. thcl~o%~crnmenoÏf Costa Kica
ïratcs that it docs noi oppose the discontinuance of the unjust action broughi
before the Court by the Government of Nicaragua.
4. However, said Governmerit alleges that it has decided to discontinue the
proceedings against my Government:
"With the purpose of giving Costa Rica an opportunity to comply fully
and faithfully with the Agreements of Esquipulas II. in the atmosphere of
fraternity that should distinguish this regional peace process . . ."
5. Although the Government of Costa Ricaagrees ta the discontinuance of the
inadmissible action brought by Nicaragua, it cannot tolerate. under any cir-
cumstances. that the areuments set forth bv the a~olicant Government foi out-
ting an endto a proceeiing which never should iaie begun, be left withoui an
adequate answer. In any case, Nicaragua would have los1ils case, because ils
action is based on allegations which are supported neither by facts nor by
law.
6. The Government of Nicaragua has shown an inadmissible cynicismin try-
ing to make it appear that it has to discontinue its unfortunate action in order
for the Government of Costa Rica 10 comply, faithfully and fully, with the
obligations ilassumed on signing the Agreement of Esquipulas II. As anyone of
good faith knows, this Agreement is a direct result of the Peace Plan presented
to his Central American colleagitesby President Oscar Arias of Costa Rica. Said
Plan represents a standard of conduct which Costa Rica has observed for many
decades. To obtain the acceptance of this Plan,theCosta Rican Governmenthad
to make a persistent effort over a period of more than six months.
7. Costa Rica is comoelled to reiect cateeoricallv the anrressive and unfoun-
dedterms used bythe ~icara~uan Foreign ~inisteri~r. MiguelD'Escoto, in his
letter does not contribute to the harmony we seek in Central America.
8. In statinp. that it does not opoose the discontinuance requested by
Nicaragua, Costa Rica wishes to express its hope that the ~icaraguin Govern-
ment willfulfil the commitmcntc ilundertook in the documcnt cntitlcd "Proce\\
Touard E~tahlirhing a Firm and Lasting Peiice in Crntral Amerird". bahed on
the Peace Plan propowd hy rhr I'rcsident of Costa Rtca and signed on 7 August
1987. by the Prcsidents of the ii\e Republiss of Central Amerisa.
9. In light of the above, the Government of Costa Ricarequests that inaccord-
ance with the provisions of Article 89 (3) and with reference to Article 89 (2)of148 BORDER AND TRANSBORDER ARMED ACTIONS
the Rules, the President of the Court make an order officially recording the
discontinuance of the proceedings brought by Nicaragua against Costa Rica and
directing theremoval-of the case fromthe iist
48. THE AGENT OF COSTA RICA TO THE REGISTRAR
18 August 1987.
In reolv to vour letter No. 78361 dated 14 Auaust 1987. 1have the honour
to infok the court that the Government of costa Rica ha; no objections that
copies of the pleading in the case concerning Border and Transborder Armed
Actions /Nicara~ua v. Costa Rica) be made available to the Government of the
~e~ublic of ~oiduras as if has r&uested in its letter of 13August 1987, pur-
suant to Article 5, paragraph 1, of the Rules of the Court.
49. THE REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF NlCARAGUA
18 August 1987
1have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency herewith copies of two let-
ters bearing today's date and handed to me this afternoon by the Agent of Costa
Rica in the case concerning Border and Transborder Armed Actions (Nicaragua
v. Costa Rica), the one relating to the notice of discontinuance filed by
Nicaraaua on 12Au~iist 1987and the other to the reauest bv the Government
of ~oiduras that the pleadings in the case might be made =vailable to it.
In view of the absence of objection by Costa Rica to the discontinuance of
the case. the President of theourt willshortlv make theanoronriate Order our-
suant 1; Article 89. paragraphs 2 and 3, of ihe Rules of koirt.
50. THE REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF COSTA RICA
19August 1987.
1have the honour to acknowledge receipt of the letter which Your Excellency
handed to me yesterday afternoon, informing me (inter alia) that the Govern-
ment of Costa Rica does not obiect to the discontinuance bv Nicaragua of the
proceedings in the case concerning Border and ~ransborder ~rm& Actions
(Nicaragua v. Costa Rica). 1now have the honour to transmit to you herewith
two la inooies of an Orderl made bv the President of the Court todav. olacina
that'discontinuance oii record, and directing the removal of the case-frbm the
list.
The official sealed copy of the Order destined for the Government of Costa
Rica will be transmitted to you shortly.
I.C.J.Reporfs1987. p.182 CORRESPONDENCE 149
51. THE REGISTRAR TD THE AGENT OF NICARAGUA
19August 1987.
Further to myletter of yesterday's date1 have thehonour to transmit to Your
Excellency herewith two plain copies of an Order made by the President of the
Court today, placing on record the discontinuance of the proceedings in the case
concernine ord deand Transborder Armed Actions fNicarapua -. costa Rical. ..
and directkg the removal of that case from the list.
The official sealed copy of the Order destined for the Government of
Nicaragua will be transmitted to you shortly.
21 August 1987.
1have the honour to acknowledee the receiot on 18Aunust 1987of the letter
of that date by which Your ~xcelle~cyuas good enough 18 inform me that your
Goi,ernmenr has no objection 10copies of the plradings in the case conierning
Border and Transborder Armed Acrrons (Nicuraguo v.Cosra Rica, being made
availdblc to the Governmeni of Honduras.
For your information. 1 may mention that a copy of ).OUT leiier h3s been
delivered to the Agent of Nicaragua.
(Signed) Bernard NOBLE
53. THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF NICARAGUA
21 August 1987
1have the honour to refer to my letter of 14August 1987transmittinr! a copv
ofa requesi by the Government oi Honduras ihat Ïhe pleadings in the cise con..
cerning Border and Transborder Armed Aclrons (Nrroroguo v. Cosra RICO,be
made available 10it pursuant to Article 53..~ara.ra.h 1. of the Rules of Court.
and ro my lettrr of18 Augu,i 1987 iransniiiiing 3 copy of a letter from the
Agent of Costa Rica iiidicating ihat hi<(io\,ernment has no objection to that
request. The proceedings in that case have of course now been terminated,
following the notice of discontinuance filed hy Nicaragua on 12August 1987,
by the Order made by the President of the Court on 19August 1987.
As Your Excellencywillbe aware, the practice of the Court is that a decision
is normally iaken ai the time of the openi& of the oral proceedings, undrr Arii-
cle53, paragraph 2. of the Rules, to make the pleadingr and annexcd documcntb
accessible to the public. Until then. the oleadinns remain confidential and
neither the ~egistry not the parties themse~;es ma& copies available to anyone
not concerned in the case. When a decision has been taken under Article 53,
paramaoh 2. of the Rules. from that time on. and in oarticular after the pro-
ceedi;ngs have terminated, the pleadings in that taie, and in general'the
documents destined Io be reproduced in the series Pleadings, Oral Arguments,
Documents, may be regarded as in the public domain even before therelevant
volume in that series appears. A request by a third State for copies of the 150 BORDER AND TRANSBORDER ARMED ACTIONS
pleadings iherefore does not in such circumstancer require the application of the
procedure of paragraph I of Article 53.
The present situation is unprecedented in the sense that, since the adoption
of the current Rules of Court, it has not occurred that a case has been discon-
tinued after oneor more pleadings have been filed, but before any decision has
been taken under Article 53...arae-.oh 2. .f the Rules. The Court is aware.
from the communications received from the Parties, that the dispute to which
the caserelates has not yet been resolved, but that efforts are beinx made toward
its peaceful settlement ln a wider coniext; hence a cautious app;oach is called
for. The Presideni of the Court proposes to lay the question of the sraius of the
pleadings in this case. and ihat of thessiblecontinuinr.ao~licabilityof Article
53.before the Court for decision.
If however it should be the case that neither of the Parties has any objection
to the pleadings being made available to the Government of Honduras. the
~resident would consider it a..roo.iate Io authorize this. without .reiudice to
the wider question of the status of the pleadings, which remains reserved for
decision by the Court. 1 should therefore still be obliged if Your Excellency
could indicate the views of the Government of Nicaragua on this particular
point, no1 later than 31 August 1987.
54. THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF COSTA RICA
21 August 1987.
1have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency herewith a cooy of a letter
which. on the instructions of the President of thekouri. 1have ioday sent to
the Agent of Nicaragua in the case concerning Rorder and Consborder Armed
Acrions lNicarapua v. Costa Rical. and venture to draw vour attention to the
faci that the quLstion of the çtatus of the pleadings in this.case, and ihat of the
po5siblecontinuing application of Article 53of the Rules of Court. will be Idid
before the Court for decision
55. THE DEPUTY-REOISTRAR TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Ifacsimile)
27 August 1987.
1communicate herewith for your information the text of an Order made on
19August 1987 by the President of the International Court of Justice recordine
the di;continuance of the case concerning Border and Transborder ~rmeè
Acrions (NicBraguav. Cosfa Rica) and removing it from the Court's List. The
printed version will follow very shortly.
56. THE AGENT OF NICARAOUA TO THE REGISTRAR
31 August 1987
1have thehonour to refer to the letter of 21August 1987which communicates
the request of the President of the Court that the Government of Nicaragua should indicate its views on the pleadings in the case concerning Border and
Transborder Armed Actions (h'icaragua v. Costa Rica) being made available to
the Government of Honduras pursuant Io Article 53, paragraph 1, of the Rules
of Court.
The Government of Nicaragua, while taking notice that the Government of
Costa Rica hasindicatedthat it hasno objections Io this request, wishesto point
out that itdoeç not consider rh;it ihe Goiernment of Honduras - or any other
nation for that matter- could ha\e any spccial right to have made aiailable
the oleadinas in a case that has been discontinued
&the o&er hand. the Government of Nicaraguaconsidcrsthat the pleadings
before the Court in this instance are documents of public interest and as such
should be available to other nations.
Therefore, in the understanding that al1 parties to the Statute will have
available the pleadings in this case, Nicaragua has no objection that they be
made so available to the Government of Honduras.
57. THEDEPUTY-REOISTRA TO THEAGENT OF NICARAGUA
2 September 1987
1 have the honour to acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency's letter of 31
Auaust 1987 concernina the reauest of the Government of Honduras that
the-pleadingç and annëxed di,cuments in the case concerning Border and
Transborder Armed Acrions (A'icoraguo v. Cosru R~ca)be made available 10 il.
I have the honour further to inform you that the Prc<ident of the Court ha$
decided, after consideration of the views expressed in that letter and those
expressedon behalf of Costa Rica in a letter from ils Agent dated 18 August
1987(a CODY of which was transmitted to vou with the Reaistrar's letter of that
. ..
date), IO acccde to the request of the Government of induras.
The i.icu.s of rhe Go~crnmcnt of Nicaragua as 10 the pleadings being made
available to other States oarties to the Statute have been duly noted. and will
he taken into account in the event of a request to that effect being received from
any such State.
Copies of the pleadings are accordingly being made available to the Govern-
ment of Honduras, which is also being informed that, as indicated in the
Registrar's letter of 21 August 1987,the question of the status of the pleadings
remains reserved for decision by the Court, and that accordingly the copies are
to be treated at present as confidential. The Government of Costa Rica is also
being informed of the President's decision.
58. THE DEPUTY-REGtSTRA TO THE AGENT OF COSTA RICA
2 September 1987.
I have the honour to transmit IO Your Cxcellency hereuith a copy oTa letter
dated 31 Augus1 IV87 from the Agent of Nicaragua concerning the reque\t of
the <;overnment of Honduras thst the pleadinr\ and annexed documents in the
caseconcerning Border and ~ransborder ~rnÏed Actions (Nicaragua v. Costa152 BORDER AND TRANSBORDER ARMED ACTIONS
Rica) bemade available to it. 1have the honour further to inform you that the
President of the Court has decided, alter consideration of the viewsexpressed
in that letter and those expressed on behalf of Costa Rica iti your letter dated
18August 1987, to accede to the request of the Government of Honduras.
The Agent of Nicaragua has been informed of this decision, and inforrned
also that the viewsof his Government as to the oleadines beine made available
to other States parties to the Statute have been'duly noted, &d will be taken
into account in the event of a reauest to that effec- beina receivedfrom any such
State.
Copies of the pleadings are accordingly being made available to the Govern-
ment of Honduras, which is also being informed that, as indicated in the
Registrar's letter of 21 August 1987,the question of the status of the pleadings
remains reserved for decision by the Court, and that accordingly the copies are
to be treated at present as confidential.
59. THE DEPUTY-REGISTR TORTHE AMBASSADOR OF HONDURAS TO THE
NETHERLANDS
2 September 1987.
1have the honour to inform Your Excellencvthat the President of the Court,
having ascerta~nedthe vieus of the ~o\ernmentr of Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
hd~decided iu accedc iu the request, made in your letter of 13Augusi 1987,ihat
the vleadinas in the case concernina Border and Transborder Armed Aclions
(~ic>ragua;. Costa Rica) be made available to the Government of Honduras.
Copies of the pleadings and annexed documents concerned are accordingly
beingdispatched~to you~under separate cover.
1am however specificallyto emphasize that, as no decision had been taken
by the Court, prior to the discontinuance of the proceedings, to make the
pleadings accessible to the public under Article 53, paragraph 2, of the Rules
of Court, and the Court has not yet been advised of any resolution of the
dispute underlying the case nowdiscontinued, the President has decided that the
question of thestatus of those pleadings and documents shall for the time being
remain reserved for the decision of the Court. They should therefore be treated
at present as confidential.
60. THE AMBASSADOR OF HONDURAS TO THE NETHERLANDS TO THE
DEPUTY-REOISTRAR
9 September 1987.
1 acknowledge receipt of your letter of September 2, 1987, as well of the
documents annexed to it. which refer to the oleadines in the case concerni-e
Border and Transborder ~rmed Aclions (~ic;?ra~ua ;. Costa Rica).
1appreciate the decision of the President to accede to Ourrequest and 1take
due note that as no decision has been taken bv the Court to make the oleadines
accessible io ihc public under Arii~le53, parairaph 2. of the ~ulesof the cour:,
the pleadings and documcnis should bc ircated as confidcniial. CORRESPONDENCE 153
61. LE GREFFIER ADJOINT AU MINISTRE DES AFFAIRES ÉTRANGÈRES D'AFGHANISTAN '
9 septembre 1987.
Le Greffe de la Cour internationale de Justice. se référant à sa lettre du
21 août 19R6transmettant un exemplaire de la requêteintroductire d'instance
en l'affaire relative auxclions urméeses/ronrolieresel IronsJronral~éres(Nicoro.
pua c. Cosru Rico). a l'honneur de transmettre ci-inclus une cooie de I'ordon-
nance par laquelle;le 19août 1987,le Président a prescrit de rayérladite affaire
du rôle de la Cour.
Des exemplaires imprimés seront expédiéspar la voie normale dès leur
parution.
62. THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE AGENT OF CDSTA RICA'
10 September 1987.
1have the honour to send herewith. for your information, a copy of a letter
dated 9 September 1987 which 1have today received from the Ambassador of
Honduras to the Netherlands subseauent to the desoatch to his Government of
a copy of the pleadings in the case ;oncerning Border und Transborder Armed
Actions (Nicoruguo v. Coslo Rico).
63. THE DEPUTY-RECISTRAR TO THE AMBASSADOR OF HONDURAS TO THE
NETHERLANDS
11 September 1987.
1 have the honour to acknowledge receiot of Your Excellency's letier of 9
Sentember. followine the desnatch to vo"r Governrnent of a co~v of the
pleadings in the cace concerthg Bord& ond Transborder ~rmed~clions
INrcurupua v. Cosro Rica), and take note of your remarks regarding the status
of thesëpleadings.
A copy of your letter has been cornmunicated for information Io each of the
Agents in the case concerned.
Uneeornmunicaiion analoguc a tic îdrc<r&caux auirrr Ciais Membre5dcsNÎiionr
Unicsci aux Eiair non membrr~ Jr, Nations Unicsadmir d e>lerdevani laCu~rr.
'A cornmunicaiiunin ihc <amcicrms was sent Io ihe Agrniof Ni.'sragua.
Correspondance