CONFIDENTIAL
From: Independent Chairmen Notetakers
24 June 1996
SUMMARY RECORD OF INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS ON PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES AND AGENDA FOR PLENARY SESSION - MONDAY 24 JUNE 1996 (10.05)
Those present:
Independent Chairmen
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. _Mr Holkeri_\, in the absence of Senator Mitchell\, occupied the chair and at 10.05 called the meeting to order. He explained to the participants that\, in the absence of the Senator\, it was his intention to continue with the business of the previous week and carry on with informal discussions surrounding the draft rules of procedure. The _Chairman_ commented that towards the end of last week's discussions\, some participants had indicated their wish that the rules become more comprehensive and in a series of bilateral meetings last Thursday\, some progress was made.
2. The _Chairman_ added that there was still a need to continue with these bilaterals with the view of presenting a further amended text. He asked for participants' acceptance/agreement to this suggestion and indicated that a revised text could shortly be made available for everyone to go through. The time frame he had in mind was to adjourn this session until 12.00 noon and circulate a revised text to all parties by 11.00.
3. _Mr McCartney_ sought clarification on who would be preparing the new text; would it be produced by the Chairman's secretariat and would it also be able to take account of any proposals emerging from further bilaterals. The _Chairman_ indicated his intent that the revised text should include new proposals from any additional bilaterals but also stated that such a revised text could not be regarded as a final one.
4. _Dr Paisley_ intervened at this point\, asking whether the new document was not one which had already been agreed by both Governments. The _Chairman_ in reply\, answered in the affirmative but added that the revised text would only include Government proposals as had been the previous position. It was not therefore\, in these circumstances\, a Government draft.
5. _Dr Paisley_ again asked how it was going to be possible for the revised text to take account of bilaterals which were likely to be going on at the same time. The _Chairman_ acknowledged Dr Paisley's point and then indicated that a revised text could not be produced until bilaterals had been concluded. In the interim the _Chairman_ stated that a draft would be produced by 11.00 to help inform the bilateral process. With this comment the _Chairman_ adjourned the meeting at 10.12.
[Signed]
Independent Chairmen Notetakers
24 June 1996
OIC/17
