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22/01/2004
Ministerial Agreement review talks held in Dublin
The Northern Ireland Secretary of State Paul Murphy and Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowan will meet in Dublin today for talks on the direction taken in the impending review of the Good Friday Agreement.
During the meeting, the first between the two ministers since the Assembly elections in November, it is expected that a way to handle the review, which is due to commence on February 3 must be agreed. Among the many review-related topics under discussion will be briefings on the security situation.
With the Assembly's suspension since October 2002 still in place, the elections which saw gains by the two political extremes in the province, the anti-Agreement Democratic Unionist Party, and the pro-Agreement Sinn Féin, will have offered no source of comfort to the two ministers charged with overseeing whatever form the review process of the Good Friday Agreement will take.
On Monday, the pro-Agreement SDLP leader Mark Durkan called for the review to last for no more than three months, maintaining that there must be no renegotiation of the Agreement.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has also called for a short review within the confines of the existing structure of the Agreement reached in 1998.
Anti-Agreement DUP leader Ian Paisley, in the first meeting on a political footing, is scheduled to meet with an Irish government delegation led by the Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern next week.
(SP)
During the meeting, the first between the two ministers since the Assembly elections in November, it is expected that a way to handle the review, which is due to commence on February 3 must be agreed. Among the many review-related topics under discussion will be briefings on the security situation.
With the Assembly's suspension since October 2002 still in place, the elections which saw gains by the two political extremes in the province, the anti-Agreement Democratic Unionist Party, and the pro-Agreement Sinn Féin, will have offered no source of comfort to the two ministers charged with overseeing whatever form the review process of the Good Friday Agreement will take.
On Monday, the pro-Agreement SDLP leader Mark Durkan called for the review to last for no more than three months, maintaining that there must be no renegotiation of the Agreement.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has also called for a short review within the confines of the existing structure of the Agreement reached in 1998.
Anti-Agreement DUP leader Ian Paisley, in the first meeting on a political footing, is scheduled to meet with an Irish government delegation led by the Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern next week.
(SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
