In this transcript of a Forum debate, David Trimble discusses the significance of the Prime Minister's [Tony Blair's] recent statement, considering it a pivotal moment in the peace process, though its full impact remains to be seen. He emphasizes the need for careful analysis and cautions against rushing to judgment, particularly regarding the contacts authorized by the Prime Minister with Sinn Féin, which he believes went beyond mere explanation and approached negotiation. Trimble criticizes the government's decision to specify a six-week period for assessing the cease-fire, arguing that the focus should be on the quality and permanence of the cease-fire rather than a fixed timeframe. He expresses concern that the requirements for Sinn Féin's participation in the talks might be diluted, allowing them to enter without a genuine commitment to peaceful means or decommissioning weapons, and stresses the importance of ensuring that decommissioning occurs during the negotiations, as repeatedly emphasized by the Prime Minister.
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