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Writing Peace: George J. Mitchell Collection

Record of informal discussion on procedural guidelines and agenda for plenary session on 1 July 1996 at 17.02

Friday, 05 July 1996

i24759

This document contains the summary record of the informal discussion on procedural guidelines and the agenda for the plenary session that took place on 1 July 1996. Seamus Close began by criticizing Ian Paisley's long remarks from the previous meeting, and both him and Malachi Curran highlighted the need for the participants to move on and finalise the procedural rules. The Chairman outlined his intentions to finish the draft rules and then have a discussion on the status of the Ground Rules. He also asked the delegates to consider a possible 'schedule of targets'. Regarding paragraph 15A of the proposed additions paper, Seamus Mallon proposed substituting "negotiate" for "take part". Paisley argued that it was impossible to handle this paragraph till they could consider elements of the talks, including the agreed agenda. Regarding UUP's amendment for paragraph 17A, Robert McCartney questioned Reg Empey's attempt to dislodge the conflict between the draft rules and the Ground Rules. Paisley added that he thought the debate about the "status" of the two sets of rule was important and should take precedence. Regarding paragraph 20A, Paisley indicated his continued apprehension regarding liaison arrangements between the two Governments. Quentin Thomas explained the new amendment proposed by the Governments was intended to alleviate such concerns, and he also accepted a proposed amendment from Empey which substituted "relevant progress" for "progress". Regarding paragraphs 32 and 33, Empey underlined that UUP wanted to see the agenda before it could make a decision. He also referred to Paisley's comments from a previous meeting and indicated that he wanted a negotiating role for parties in Strand 3. In response to statements from the British and Irish Governments, Paisley indicated his satisfaction with their commitment to the parties that any pressing issue, including Articles 2 and 3 of the Irish Constitution could be raised in Strand 2. The meeting adjourned at 18.55.

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