Record of an opening plenary meeting on 3 June 1997 at 14.10 (OIC/PS66)

This is the draft summary record of an opening plenary session on Tuesday 3 June 1997 at 14.10. The Chairman suggested that each party present its current assessment of the situation. The British Government made its commitment to launching the three-stranded talks process as soon as possible and stressed that it thought agreement was possible on decommissioning. It acknowledged that it wanted to see Sinn Féin join the talks, subject to a ceasefire and a commitment to the Mitchell principles. The Irish Government referred to its forthcoming election. It stressed the importance of making progress in the negotiations in a way that was not happening before the adjournment and of coming to agreement on decommissioning, which it considered could only happen voluntarily. They agreed with the British Government on the position of Sinn Féin. It also raised the issue of the stability of the CLMC ceasefire. Alliance was not optimistic about the commitment of key people in Northern Ireland to the current talks process. It supported the ideas of a timeframe for talks and of public involvement in plenary, based on the South African experience. It was also concerned about the CLMC ceasefire and raised what the Chairman considered an oral representation under rule 29. He proposed that Alliance and the two Loyalist parties meet with the Chairmen to discuss this, which was agreed. The UKUP thought that the British Government should take action. Labour stressed the importance of not waiting for Sinn Féin. The NIWC spoke against intrasigence and foregrounded the need to take risks and demonstrate courage and confidence. The PUP suggested Alliance indict them or drop the matter although it agreed to the meeting. The SDLP asked everyone to move on from decommissioning. The UDP stressed its commitment to the Mitchell principles. The UKUP critized the peace process and the British Government's contacts with Sinn Féin. The UUP agreed with the latter part of this.

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Opening Plenary Meetings 1997-06-03 14:10

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Writing Peace: George J. Mitchell Collection

Record of an opening plenary meeting on 3 June 1997 at 14.10 (OIC/PS66)

Monday, 09 June 1997

Writing Peace: George J. Mitchell Collection