Menu
12/03/2004
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.
At a press conference after the meeting on Thursday the two premiers said that they will take personal charge of a bid to break the deadlock following the return of the politicians from St Patrick's Day celebrations in Washington next week. Although the format of the talks has yet to be announced, the most likely form is a conference chaired by the prime ministers.
The meeting of the premiers, overshadowed by the Madrid bomb outrage, came as Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams claimed that the republican party may be excluded from the peace process. Mr Ahern said the exact opposite was the case and that the only lasting resolution to the peace process problems would be a result of inclusive talks.
Both premiers welcomed as positive the agreement by the International Monitoring Commission to bring forward the publishing date of a report on paramilitary activity to May.
Mr Ahern said that there was no intention to let the peace process "drift" and announced a determination to deal with the current problems by the third week of March.
Mr Blair said that all Northern Ireland politicians knew exactly what was required.
"Everybody is saying in this process there should be an end to violence of all descriptions and that no party should be in government unless they are committed to exclusively to democratic and peaceful means".
He said that given an end to paramilitarism then a democratic political mandate would ensure republicans a place in government.
(SP)
At a press conference after the meeting on Thursday the two premiers said that they will take personal charge of a bid to break the deadlock following the return of the politicians from St Patrick's Day celebrations in Washington next week. Although the format of the talks has yet to be announced, the most likely form is a conference chaired by the prime ministers.
The meeting of the premiers, overshadowed by the Madrid bomb outrage, came as Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams claimed that the republican party may be excluded from the peace process. Mr Ahern said the exact opposite was the case and that the only lasting resolution to the peace process problems would be a result of inclusive talks.
Both premiers welcomed as positive the agreement by the International Monitoring Commission to bring forward the publishing date of a report on paramilitary activity to May.
Mr Ahern said that there was no intention to let the peace process "drift" and announced a determination to deal with the current problems by the third week of March.
Mr Blair said that all Northern Ireland politicians knew exactly what was required.
"Everybody is saying in this process there should be an end to violence of all descriptions and that no party should be in government unless they are committed to exclusively to democratic and peaceful means".
He said that given an end to paramilitarism then a democratic political mandate would ensure republicans a place in government.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 April 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.
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.
12 November 2004
Blair to push forward Middle East roadmap at Washington talks
The Prime Minister is in Washington today for talks with President Bush, and Iran, Yasser Arafat's death and the state of the Middle East peace process are expected to top the agenda. After flying into Andrews Air Force base last night, Tony Blair began his two-day visit with a one-on-one dinner with the president at the White House.
Blair to push forward Middle East roadmap at Washington talks
The Prime Minister is in Washington today for talks with President Bush, and Iran, Yasser Arafat's death and the state of the Middle East peace process are expected to top the agenda. After flying into Andrews Air Force base last night, Tony Blair began his two-day visit with a one-on-one dinner with the president at the White House.
01 May 2003
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
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.
05 September 2008
'Barrier' To Single Three-Nation Department Lifting?
A barrier to a merger of the Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland Office was removed yesterday as Downing Street promised to hand policing powers to Belfast "in the next few days". The idea of a single Whitehall department dealing with the three nations was first presented by aides to then-PM Tony Blair as far back as 2001.
'Barrier' To Single Three-Nation Department Lifting?
A barrier to a merger of the Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland Office was removed yesterday as Downing Street promised to hand policing powers to Belfast "in the next few days". The idea of a single Whitehall department dealing with the three nations was first presented by aides to then-PM Tony Blair as far back as 2001.
20 November 2003
Renewed vigour must be applied to 'road map' peace plan
With a new Palestinian Prime Minister in place, all parties involved in peace process between Israelis and Palestinians should "recommit themselves to the process", a senior UN official told the Security Council yesterday.
Renewed vigour must be applied to 'road map' peace plan
With a new Palestinian Prime Minister in place, all parties involved in peace process between Israelis and Palestinians should "recommit themselves to the process", a senior UN official told the Security Council yesterday.
-
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.
