SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador � The Foreign Ministers of Honduras and Nicaragua, Roberto Flores Berm�dez and Eduardo Montealegre Rivas, have reached a military exclusion agreement related to their countries� maritime dispute in the Caribbean Sea.

During their third round of talks with the Special Representative of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luigi Einaudi, they developed measures to build confidence and prevent incidents related to the dispute. This round of talks, which took place at the headquarters of the Central American Integration System (SICA) in the capital of El Salvador, began Sunday and ended with the signing of the agreement at 1 a.m. local time (2 a.m. EST) today.

"It is significant that these two Central American countries have recognized the importance of not disturbing regional peace while they seek to resolve their differences by means of universal principles," Einaudi said. "With this agreement, Honduras and Nicaragua show that they deserve the respect and support of the international community."

The substance of the maritime boundary issue that has led to tensions between the two countries will be decided by the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Ambassador Einaudi, a retired U.S. diplomat, has been helping the two countries develop mechanisms to maintain peaceful relations while the parties wait for a decision from the International Court.

Attached is an unofficial translation of the agreement signed in San Salvador. The official version is in Spanish.

Entire contents � 2000 Organization of American States
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