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12/03/2004
Blair and Ahern discuss next step in peace process
Prime Minister Tony Blair has met with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Dublin to discuss the next step in the flagging Northern Ireland peace process.
At a press conference after the meeting on Thursday the two premiers said that they will take personal charge of a bid to break the deadlock following the return of the politicians from St Patrick's Day celebrations in Washington next week. Although the format of the talks has yet to be announced, the most likely form is a conference chaired by the prime ministers.
The meeting of the premiers, overshadowed by the Madrid bomb outrage, came as Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams claimed that the republican party may be excluded from the peace process. Mr Ahern said the exact opposite was the case and that the only lasting resolution to the peace process problems would be a result of inclusive talks.
Both premiers welcomed as positive the agreement by the International Monitoring Commission to bring forward the publishing date of a report on paramilitary activity to May.
Mr Ahern said that there was no intention to let the peace process "drift" and announced a determination to deal with the current problems by the third week of March.
Mr Blair said that all Northern Ireland politicians knew exactly what was required.
"Everybody is saying in this process there should be an end to violence of all descriptions and that no party should be in government unless they are committed to exclusively to democratic and peaceful means".
He said that given an end to paramilitarism then a democratic political mandate would ensure republicans a place in government.
(SP)
At a press conference after the meeting on Thursday the two premiers said that they will take personal charge of a bid to break the deadlock following the return of the politicians from St Patrick's Day celebrations in Washington next week. Although the format of the talks has yet to be announced, the most likely form is a conference chaired by the prime ministers.
The meeting of the premiers, overshadowed by the Madrid bomb outrage, came as Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams claimed that the republican party may be excluded from the peace process. Mr Ahern said the exact opposite was the case and that the only lasting resolution to the peace process problems would be a result of inclusive talks.
Both premiers welcomed as positive the agreement by the International Monitoring Commission to bring forward the publishing date of a report on paramilitary activity to May.
Mr Ahern said that there was no intention to let the peace process "drift" and announced a determination to deal with the current problems by the third week of March.
Mr Blair said that all Northern Ireland politicians knew exactly what was required.
"Everybody is saying in this process there should be an end to violence of all descriptions and that no party should be in government unless they are committed to exclusively to democratic and peaceful means".
He said that given an end to paramilitarism then a democratic political mandate would ensure republicans a place in government.
(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.
