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14/04/2003
Governments await clarification from IRA
The British and Irish governments are awaiting a third statement from the IRA to clarify its position on giving up arms and declaring its war over.
An announcement on "acts of completion", and the future shape of the peace process, had been expected to have been made by Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at Hillsborough last Thursday. However, the declaration was postponed after the response from the IRA was thought not to go far enough. And with deadlock reigning over the blueprint document, the two governments demanded clarity from the IRA over how and when it would disarm.
Over the weekend, it was reported that a modified statement was sent to both governments – but whilst the document was described as "progress", again, its contents were thought, particularly by Downing Street, to be insufficient to move on.
Both Blair and Ahern have maintained that they are confident that this latest hiccup in the Northern Ireland peace process can be overcome. However, a breakthrough will have to arrive soon if the May 29 assembly elections are to go ahead as planned.
(GMcG)
An announcement on "acts of completion", and the future shape of the peace process, had been expected to have been made by Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at Hillsborough last Thursday. However, the declaration was postponed after the response from the IRA was thought not to go far enough. And with deadlock reigning over the blueprint document, the two governments demanded clarity from the IRA over how and when it would disarm.
Over the weekend, it was reported that a modified statement was sent to both governments – but whilst the document was described as "progress", again, its contents were thought, particularly by Downing Street, to be insufficient to move on.
Both Blair and Ahern have maintained that they are confident that this latest hiccup in the Northern Ireland peace process can be overcome. However, a breakthrough will have to arrive soon if the May 29 assembly elections are to go ahead as planned.
(GMcG)
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Blair unilaterally declares NI elections postponed
British Prime Minister Tony Blair has confirmed that elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly have been postponed until the autumn. Mr Blair said that the lack of clarity on the IRA's position on future paramilitary activities meant that holding elections on May 29 was not possible.
Blair unilaterally declares NI elections postponed
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12 March 2004
Blair and Ahern discuss next step in peace process
Prime Minister Tony Blair has met with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Dublin to discuss the next step in the flagging Northern Ireland peace process.
Blair and Ahern discuss next step in peace process
Prime Minister Tony Blair has met with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Dublin to discuss the next step in the flagging Northern Ireland peace process.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
