Menu
11/04/2003
Sinn Fein declare their role in talks 'finished'
The signs were looking ominous for the future of the 'Joint Declaration' tonight following a meeting between Sinn Fein representatives and the British and Irish Governments today.
Shortly before their meeting with US special Envoy, Richard Haass, Sinn Fein leaders, Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness declared their party's role in the negotiations were "finished".
Mr Adams said: "Our discussions with the two governments on the measures needed to implement the Agreement are in my view now finished.
"There are critical issues which have yet to be properly dealt with. But in our discussions with the governments we told them several days ago that the negotiations are concluded.
"There is now, therefore, no reason or excuse for the government's to delay the publication of their plan, setting out how they intend to complete the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement."
Sinn Fein's meeting with the two government's was just one of a number of discussions between British and Irish governments as they desperately tried to rescue their plan to end the current political deadlock in Northern Ireland.
Meetings are expected to continue as they try and break the current impasse.
Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Irish counterpart Bertie Ahern were due in the province yesterday to unveil the blueprint that would fully implement the Good Friday Agreement. However, this plan was discarded at the last minute.
However, following talks with Mr Ahern today, the Prime Minister was hopeful that "even at this late stage, any of the difficulties can be ironed out and dealt with".
"Now the two governments have been completely clear about our own positions, and this is one of the things that is remarkable about these past few months is how closely the two governments have worked together, there is no dispute between us about any of these issues at all," he added.
(MB)
Shortly before their meeting with US special Envoy, Richard Haass, Sinn Fein leaders, Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness declared their party's role in the negotiations were "finished".
Mr Adams said: "Our discussions with the two governments on the measures needed to implement the Agreement are in my view now finished.
"There are critical issues which have yet to be properly dealt with. But in our discussions with the governments we told them several days ago that the negotiations are concluded.
"There is now, therefore, no reason or excuse for the government's to delay the publication of their plan, setting out how they intend to complete the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement."
Sinn Fein's meeting with the two government's was just one of a number of discussions between British and Irish governments as they desperately tried to rescue their plan to end the current political deadlock in Northern Ireland.
Meetings are expected to continue as they try and break the current impasse.
Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Irish counterpart Bertie Ahern were due in the province yesterday to unveil the blueprint that would fully implement the Good Friday Agreement. However, this plan was discarded at the last minute.
However, following talks with Mr Ahern today, the Prime Minister was hopeful that "even at this late stage, any of the difficulties can be ironed out and dealt with".
"Now the two governments have been completely clear about our own positions, and this is one of the things that is remarkable about these past few months is how closely the two governments have worked together, there is no dispute between us about any of these issues at all," he added.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 February 2018
Sinn Fein To Meet With Irish And UK Governments After Talks Fail
Sinn Fein is to meet with both the Irish and UK governments today, 15 February, after DUP leader Arlene Foster confirmed talks to restore power-sharing in NI had failed. Northern Ireland has been without an Executive since January 2017. Mr Foster said there was "no current prospect" of a deal.
Sinn Fein To Meet With Irish And UK Governments After Talks Fail
Sinn Fein is to meet with both the Irish and UK governments today, 15 February, after DUP leader Arlene Foster confirmed talks to restore power-sharing in NI had failed. Northern Ireland has been without an Executive since January 2017. Mr Foster said there was "no current prospect" of a deal.
19 November 2004
‘Significant progress’ being made in negotiations: DUP
The DUP has said that “significant progress has been made in the days and weeks since Leeds Castle and that there is still work required” following a meeting of the party’s Assembly Group at Stormont today.
‘Significant progress’ being made in negotiations: DUP
The DUP has said that “significant progress has been made in the days and weeks since Leeds Castle and that there is still work required” following a meeting of the party’s Assembly Group at Stormont today.
24 April 2003
Elections will go ahead on schedule says Murphy
Elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly are still on schedule to take place on May 29, the Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
Elections will go ahead on schedule says Murphy
Elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly are still on schedule to take place on May 29, the Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
22 November 2024
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
