This document details talks on the exit strategy for decommissioning on 24 September 1996. In the morning, the two Governments met over the experts to be used in the Verification Committee. Concerns were raised as to the UUP reaction to the make-up and Sean O’Huiginn suggested that setting up the bodies concerned could wait while decommissioning itself was still a far away project. Ancram emphasised that choosing individuals would be up to the two Governments in response to concerns around vague language. Senator George J Mitchell joined to recommend the Chairmen meet with each party to quell concerns about smaller parties being excluded in bilaterals and trilaterals. At the plenary, the governments’ conclusions on allegations from Alliance were discussed. Confidential documents being attacked in the press was an issue, but the Chairmen held the Rules of Procedure did not cover these as confidential. The response being public would need to be made public, including party positions, as recognised in confidentiality rules. Robert McCartney, leader of the UK Unionist Party, took issue with records not being entirely transcripted, to which the Chairmen held was in accordance with existing style. For communication with the press, participants discussed using unattributable briefings with certain journalists or briefings by the Chairmen, though this may risk their impartiality. Ancram supported Peter Robinson’s view of using the Business Committee to prepare reports. An afternoon bilateral meeting of the two Governments returned to concerns on individuals to chair the Verification Commission, namely General de Chastlain. Ancram instead focused on structure over individuals to win over the UUP. Officials suggested a change of wording on experts to “direct” the Commission. The amendment was put to officials that night.
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