Government accepts ceasefire observer proposal says Alliance

Alliance Leader David Ford has claimed that the government has accepted the principle of an independent reporting mechanism on the activities of paramilitary organisations.

An Alliance Party delegation today met the Secretary of State to discuss the party's proposals for an independent observer.

Speaking after the meeting, David Ford said: "Continuing street violence and other paramilitary activities are gradually eroding confidence from the peace process. At present, there is an assumption that uncomfortable truths are being swept under the carpet for the sake of political expediency, and question marks regarding the good faith of some parties.

"Alliance first proposed that the government appoint an international observer to report on the levels of paramilitary violence at Hillsborough on July 4. We are pleased that progress has been made on this issue. The government seems to have accepted the need for some type of independent reporting mechanism.

"I pressed the Secretary of State to appoint a respected, independent, international figure to report and comment on the activities of the paramilitary organisations on ceasefire. This approach could maximise public confidence in the objectivity of any commentary that is provided."

Mr Ford added that formal determinations on the status of ceasefires should remain strictly the prerogative of the Secretary of State. This, he said, did not conflict with the proposal, as it was a measured response to a growing problem.

He also warned that the move "should not be seen as a concession to unionists" or a process "to exclude Sinn Fein from government".

(MB)