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22/10/2003
UUP leader calls halt in process over IRA arms
Northern Ireland's peace process was reawakened with aplomb yesterday and, with its carefully scripted exchanges, two premiers on standby for the lawn handshake and international press pack on call, it appeared to be a done deal – but for the issue of paramilitary weapons.
In the morning, a speech by Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams got the ball rolling. He restated republican commitment to the process and renounced all forms of violence – a close approximation to a 'war is over' statement for both the British government and UUP, which they acknowledged.
Then followed the IRA statement reinforcing Mr Adams's words, and then came the act of decommissioning and the report by Gen John de Chastelain's International Independent Commission on Decommissioning. Then it all ground to an unexpected halt.
At a late afternoon press conference, which had been delayed by some hours, UUP leader David Trimble revealed that the process was on hold as the decommissioning report did not supply sufficient transparency on the nature and quantity of the arms put beyond use.
Gen de Chastelain's report referred to a disposal considerably larger than previously, but he did not offer an inventory as the IRA had requested discretion.
Yesterday's events were described as nothing more than a "glitch" by the British Prime Minister, and there is no change to the November 26 election date.
Mr Trimble has announced that an extraordinary meeting of the UUP convention will take place next week to discuss the issue.
Talks will be rejoined today in an attempt to resolve the issue.
(gmcg)
In the morning, a speech by Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams got the ball rolling. He restated republican commitment to the process and renounced all forms of violence – a close approximation to a 'war is over' statement for both the British government and UUP, which they acknowledged.
Then followed the IRA statement reinforcing Mr Adams's words, and then came the act of decommissioning and the report by Gen John de Chastelain's International Independent Commission on Decommissioning. Then it all ground to an unexpected halt.
At a late afternoon press conference, which had been delayed by some hours, UUP leader David Trimble revealed that the process was on hold as the decommissioning report did not supply sufficient transparency on the nature and quantity of the arms put beyond use.
Gen de Chastelain's report referred to a disposal considerably larger than previously, but he did not offer an inventory as the IRA had requested discretion.
Yesterday's events were described as nothing more than a "glitch" by the British Prime Minister, and there is no change to the November 26 election date.
Mr Trimble has announced that an extraordinary meeting of the UUP convention will take place next week to discuss the issue.
Talks will be rejoined today in an attempt to resolve the issue.
(gmcg)
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28 November 2003
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Final results in for 2003 NI Assembly election
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16 March 2004
Paisley hits out at 'powerless' Trimble
DUP Leader, Ian Paisley has lambasted David Trimble for his “rewriting of recent history” after the UUP leader claimed that it was his party's pressure that forced the Independent Monitoring Commission’s (IMC) decision to produce its first report by Easter.
Paisley hits out at 'powerless' Trimble
DUP Leader, Ian Paisley has lambasted David Trimble for his “rewriting of recent history” after the UUP leader claimed that it was his party's pressure that forced the Independent Monitoring Commission’s (IMC) decision to produce its first report by Easter.
09 May 2005
NI council results at present
NI’s elected councillors as of Monday afternoon Carrickfergus: Billy Ashe, Terence Clement, David Hilditch, Patricia McKinney (DUP), Sean Neeson (AP), William Hamilton, Charles Brown (Ind) Newtownabbey: William Ball, Paula Bradley, Nigel Hamilton, Robert Hill, John Mann, Mandy Girvan (DUP), Tom Campbell, Lynn Frazer (AP), Janet Crilly, Ken Robi
NI council results at present
NI’s elected councillors as of Monday afternoon Carrickfergus: Billy Ashe, Terence Clement, David Hilditch, Patricia McKinney (DUP), Sean Neeson (AP), William Hamilton, Charles Brown (Ind) Newtownabbey: William Ball, Paula Bradley, Nigel Hamilton, Robert Hill, John Mann, Mandy Girvan (DUP), Tom Campbell, Lynn Frazer (AP), Janet Crilly, Ken Robi
02 July 2001
DECOMMISSIONING DEPENDS ON POLITICAL PROCESS
IN their latest report the Independent International Decommissioning Commission has said that there has been no decommissioning by any of the main paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland.
DECOMMISSIONING DEPENDS ON POLITICAL PROCESS
IN their latest report the Independent International Decommissioning Commission has said that there has been no decommissioning by any of the main paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland.
28 October 2003
UUP cancel Ruling Council meeting
A meeting of the Ulster Unionist Party's Ruling Council has been cancelled because of a failure to reach a deal with republicans. Party officers met at Cunningham House on Monday night and decided to call off the meeting which was due to take place on Wednesday in the Ramada Hotel in Belfast.
UUP cancel Ruling Council meeting
A meeting of the Ulster Unionist Party's Ruling Council has been cancelled because of a failure to reach a deal with republicans. Party officers met at Cunningham House on Monday night and decided to call off the meeting which was due to take place on Wednesday in the Ramada Hotel in Belfast.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
