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Writing Peace: The National Archives of the UK (TNA)

British Government detailed record of multi-party meetings on 8 October 1996

Wednesday, 09 October 1996

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This document details discussion on 8 October 1996 following the HQNI bomb attack. Parties other than the UKUP sought for talks and progress to continue and bilaterals were used to resolve difficulties. The UUP urged a careful criteria for Sinn Fein’s eligibility to enter talks, alongside a potential deadline. Finnish Prime Minister Harri Holkeri chaired the session and invited statements on the terror attack. All delegations condemned it. The British Government viewed the attack as evidence of the need for progress to accommodate community differences. The Irish Government agreed and highlighted successful talks as the strongest reproach to perpetrators. The UUP stated that the attack centred the importance of resolving issues like decommissioning, while the UKUP claimed that the picture showed the peace process was dead and Sinn Fein could never be allowed to enter talks. The DUP questioned the failure of security at the base that allowed the attack and hoped the peace process should focus on following recognised principles rather than wait for Sinn Fein involvement. Seamus Close of Alliance spoke of despair in his constituency and remarked that pandering for those who use violence in politics was untenable. Seamus Mallon of the SDLP reflected on the psychological impact and whether politics could solve the resulting tension. Obsessing over Sinn Fein joining could not dominate if progress was to be made. The Governments then faced criticism over opening the door to IRA activity, but were defended amidst calls for actual discussion of decommissioning. Bilaterals were agreed to resolve the agenda issues. British and Irish officials met in light of the bomb attacks to consider parking decommissioning. The UUP met with the Secretary of State to push for them to reach an agreement on the agenda with the SDLP. However, the parties had different points of view amidst the tension. It was suggested decommissioning be parked or Sinn Fein be faced with a deadline to demonstrate democratic intentions.

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