From: Independent Chairmen Notetakers
18 June 1996
SUMMARY RECORD OF INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS ON PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES AND AGENDA FOR PLENARY SESSION - TUESDAY 18 JUNE 1996 (16.05)
Those present:
Independent Chairmen
Senator Mitchell
General de Chastelain
Mr Holkeri
Government Teams
British Government
Irish Government
Parties
Alliance Party
Labour Party
Northern Ireland Women's Coalition
Progressive Unionist Party
Social Democratic and Labour Party
Ulster Democratic Party
Ulster Democratic Unionist Party
United Kingdom Unionist Party
Ulster Unionist Party
1. At 16.05 the _Chairman_ reconvened the discussion and thanked participants for their patience and presence. He then repeated what had been agreed prior to the recess and suggested that the discussion now focus on reviewing the latest version of procedural guidelines. He hoped that everyone had had an opportunity to review it and emphasised that this was not an occasion where decisions needed to be taken but rather a further opportunity to discuss the contents. The _Chairman_ also indicated that at this stage no-one was precluded from stating any previous or new position which they wanted to outline. It was also important to realise that in compiling the new document\, which had been recently circulated\, it had proved impossible to try and represent all the views on some of the major issues in a single version. The _Chairman_ then provided the participants with a practical example of this and referred to page 4\, para 27 of the revised document which now contained several proposed amendments to the "sufficient consensus" conditions. The _Chairman_ continued saying that he now wanted to go through this new draft on the same basis as previous\, ie\, in alphabetical order.
2. _Mr Mallon_ sought clarification as to what stage the meeting should be seeking to make decisions. The _Chairman_ indicated his intention to get to a decision-making stage sooner rather than later\, but ostensibly this decision was for the participants. The _Chairman_ also reminded those present that there was still a discussion on proposals for the agenda to complete and the resolution of both items was very much in the hands of participants. _Mr Mallon_ commented that he had not yet got through the full document but had only reached para 22. He stated that a little more time would be helpful to him and his colleagues to enable an assessment to be made of paras 23 to the end.
3. The _Chairman_ indicated that the overall purpose of the exercise was a difficult one because it was attempting to satisfy two conflicting objectives - on the one hand the meeting was attempting to reach agreement; on the other\, one needed to give everyone a full opportunity to review\, consider and be in a position to debate the document. The _Chairman_ added that no-one would be hurried into a decision.
4. _Mr Robinson_ confessed that he also had been unable to get through the entire document and he and his colleagues therefore needed more time. He was keen to look at it from the viewpoint of which DUP proposals were now not in it and which had been emasculated. _Mr Robinson_ was however pleased to see a much easier format. He believed that the best analysis of the document from his party's perspective\, and he suspected others might view it in a similar manner\, was to see which proposals they were content with; those which they would be content with some amendment; those which had been excluded and those which required insertion.
5. The _Chairman_ commented that a premature discussion was not desirable. It was better to allow more time and hence flexibility to facilitate progress.
6. _Mr Trimble_ indicated that the UUP was ready to proceed and he praised the Chairman's staff for a most helpful layout to the revised document. He stated\, however\, that allowing more time wouldn't do any harm. The _Chairman_ having noted Mr Robinson's and Mr Mallon's comments suggested that perhaps a further 45 minutes should be allowed. He didn't want to be appearing to rush anyone along.
7. _Mr Mallon_ stated that the only reason why his party wanted more time was to reach a position whereby decisions could be taken on the content rather than continuing with a prolonged debate. _Mr Robinson_ asked the Chairman whether he could give an indication as to when\, in terms of time\, the other document on proposals for the Agenda would be available.
8. The _Chairman_ indicated that it had not yet been started simply because of the work which had gone into the first document. He believed it was unlikely that the second document would be available to allow a parallel discussion on both to take place. He continued saying that he hoped the second document would be available when the discussions on the first document were completed.
9. _Mr Robinson_ referred to another and separate problem which he had with attendance at another committee meeting connected to the wider process. He indicated that he would ensure that someone of authority would replace him. Noting this comment the _Chairman_ indicated that given the earlier comments it would be prudent to adjourn until 17.00 at which point he would go round the table and seek comment from each party. The _Chairman_ then adjourned the meeting at 16.20.
[Signed]
Independent Chairmen Notetakers
18 June 1996
01C/7
4 CONFIDENTIAL
None
