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10/04/2003
Blueprint impasse delays NI peace summit
Despite weeks of negotiations in London, Belfast and Dublin, and the personal intervention of the President of the United States, the much anticipated announcement on the future blueprint for the peace process in Northern Ireland has been postponed.
Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern had been expected to unveil the latest proposals today - which would then carry the political process into the May election.
However, an impasse over the precise wording of the document has scuppered plans for a Belfast visit by both premiers. But more than this, the slim timetable for agreement could threaten the May 29 date for assembly elections.
As it stands, the dissolution of the assembly had been pencilled in for April 28 and then the parties could go on the campaign trail - therefore a definitive document must be published within days in order to maintain that schedule.
Among the proposals on the table are plans for the British government to scale back its troop strength here from 14,000 to 5,000. But such a big step will only be put down on paper if there is a similar move from paramilitary organisations.
Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams has called for the proposals under discussion to be published. However, UUP leader David Trimble hit back saying that the process should not be held to ransom by republicans.
(GMcG)
Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern had been expected to unveil the latest proposals today - which would then carry the political process into the May election.
However, an impasse over the precise wording of the document has scuppered plans for a Belfast visit by both premiers. But more than this, the slim timetable for agreement could threaten the May 29 date for assembly elections.
As it stands, the dissolution of the assembly had been pencilled in for April 28 and then the parties could go on the campaign trail - therefore a definitive document must be published within days in order to maintain that schedule.
Among the proposals on the table are plans for the British government to scale back its troop strength here from 14,000 to 5,000. But such a big step will only be put down on paper if there is a similar move from paramilitary organisations.
Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams has called for the proposals under discussion to be published. However, UUP leader David Trimble hit back saying that the process should not be held to ransom by republicans.
(GMcG)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
