This document summarises the meeting responding to the HQNI bomb attacks [7 October 1996], also referred to as the Thiepval Barracks bombing. Finnish Prime Minister Harri Holkeri invited statements and all parties condemned the action. The British view was set out as highlighting the importance of the talks progress, which all agreed to with the exception of the UKUP who criticised the two Governments for maintaining a dead peace process. Robert McCartney, leader of the UK Unionist Party, stated their position that Sinn Fein could not enter talks without a permanent ceasefire and commitment decommissioning. Holkeri defended the Government position, then bilaterals were taken to agree the agenda. Irish and British officials met later in a “constructive” review of how to overcome the obstacle of decommissioning. The Secretary of State also met with the UUP to encourage an agreement between them and the SDLP for the agenda of remaining talks.
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