14/04/2003

Peace process hinges on IRA response

The British and Irish Governments have asked for the IRA to clarify a number of questions from its latest statement towards the peace process.

Although the statement was not released to the press or general public it is believed to focus on three main issues:
  • The status of the IRA's ceasefire;
  • The organisations future intentions;
  • Communication with the international decommissioning body
The IRA's statement was passed to the governments on Sunday night.

The original blueprint by the two governments was postponed on Thursday. It is believed to have been postponed because of Downing Street was unhappy with the wording of a draft response from the IRA.

Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy is expected to make a statement in the House of Commons later today.

Northern Ireland's political parties have been in constant dialogue with each other throughout the weekend. Earlier today, David Trimble met members of Sinn Fein while US special adviser on Northern Ireland Richard Haass met SDLP leader Mark Durkan at Parliament Buildings.

(MB)

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