DATE=11/15/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=NORTHERN IRELAND (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-256179
BYLINE=LAURIE KASSMAN
DATELINE=LONDON
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: In Northern Ireland, former U-S Senator George
Mitchell is keeping peace hopes alive with expressions
of confidence that Unionists and Republicans will
break the deadlock over disarming Irish Republican
Army paramilitaries. As V-O-A Correspondent Laurie
Kassman reports from London, the dispute has prevented
the formation of an all-party executive council to
administer home rule powers.
TEXT: Mr. Mitchell says he is confident both sides
will find a way to resolve their disputes over
disarming paramilitaries.
/// MITCHELL ACT ///
I believe the parties now understand each
other's concerns and requirements far better
than before and are committed to resolving the
current impasse. I am increasingly confident
that a way will be found to do so.
/// END ACT ///
The former U-S senator has been working with both
sides for the past 11 weeks in a critical review of
the peace process aimed at getting it back on track.
The dispute has centered on the timing of the I-R-A's
handover of weapons. Ulster Unionists say the I-R-A
must start disarming before the I-R-A's political
wing, Sinn Fein, can join an all-party executive
council. Sinn Fein says the 1998 peace agreement has
no such precondition.
Britain cannot transfer home rule powers until the
council is established. Mr. Mitchell says both sides
now agree the peacetime institutions should be set up
quickly.
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams says he is encouraged by
Mr. Mitchell's positive assessment
/// ADAMS ACT ///
This review was established to resolve the
crisis in the peace process by ensuring the full
implementation of the Good Friday agreement in
all its aspects. This is the only context for
addressing outstanding issues. In short, this
review and the Good Friday agreement are about
making politics work.
/// END ACT ///
Nobody in the closed-door talks is offering details of
Mr. Mitchell's suggested formula for breaking the
deadlock over disarmament. Media speculation is
focussing on a tightly controlled sequencing of the
set-up of the all-party council and an I-R-A handover
of weapons.
Mr. Mitchell has also asked the special independent
commission on disarmament to present its final report
promptly so that both sides can issue their public
reactions.
Mr. Mitchell says his final review of the peace
process will come after both sides make their views
public on Tuesday. (Signed)
NEB/LMK/JWH/KL
15-Nov-1999 10:32 AM EDT (15-Nov-1999 1532 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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