20/04/2004

Surprise talks postponement 'unacceptable' says Adams

Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams has described the surprise decision by the British and Irish Government's to suspend planned political negations as "unacceptable".

Mr Adams was speaking after the two Government's confirmed they would not be going ahead with the political talks planned for London next week involving all the Northern Ireland parties.

The West Belfast MP said: "It is simply not good enough for the two governments to unilaterally cancel expected talks in London next week.

“This announcement is an example of the ad hoc and almost casual attitude of London and Dublin towards the process.

“It follows on from the Irish Government decision to run with a referendum on citizenship and the expected IMC Report tomorrow. Both are in contravention of the Good Friday Agreement. This is unacceptable.”

Three days of "proximity" talks involving Northern Ireland's politicians were expected to be hosted by the British and Irish prime ministers, however these have now been shelved.

Ulster Unionist MLA, David McNarry said: “Having rushed the IMC into reporting back urgently on terrorist activities and having set up inter-party talks to follow the IMC Report, the Government should proceed with the talks, but without those parties inextricably linked to terrorist groups named in the IMC Report.

“By postponing the talks the Government have blundered once again by conceding ground to a terrorist veto.

The discussions were due to follow today's publication of the Independent Monitoring Commission's first report on continuing paramilitary activity.

(MB)

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