This is the draft summary record of an opening plenary session on Wednesday 16 July 1997 at 14.08. The Chairman had received three written submissions on the decommissioning proposals from the UUP, DUP and UKUP. The DUP intervened to criticize the British Government's ongoing contacts with Sinn Féin. The UKUP echoed this in very strong terms. The UUP asked for clarity on the difference the British Government drew between 'contacts' and 'meetings'. All three parties wanted details of the contacts. The British Government did not agree to this. It clarified points surrounding the possible entry of Sinn Féin into proceedings. It considered the PIRA and Sinn Féin as inextricably linked and confirmed its commitment to security. Nevertheless, prior decommissioning could not be a political reality. The processes needed to be parallel and the structures in the paper, which it went on to detail, provided for that. They envisaged the subcommittees would be chaired by George Mitchell. The UUP asked for the text of the speaking note to frame further clarifications and amendments. The Chairman confirmed there would be no further clarification after the current session. The British Government refused to respond to requests that had not been submitted in writing by the deadline. The UKUP and the DUP walked out. The SDLP emphasised the timetable should be stuck to. The UUP were present in the building but not at the meeting.
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