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DATE=11/16/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=NORTHERN IRELAND (L)
NUMBER=2-256216
BYLINE=LAURIE KASSMAN
DATELINE=LONDON
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  In Northern Ireland, Unionist and Republican 
leaders have issued public statements denouncing 
violence and promising cooperation to implement the 
1998 Good-Friday agreement.  The statements are seen 
as a breakthrough to get the peace process back on 
track.  Correspondent Laurie Kassman in London reports 
the statements open the way for the next phase of the 
peace process.
TEXT:  Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble says his 
party is committed to full implementation of the peace 
agreement in all aspects.  And he agrees to cooperate 
with Nationalists despite their different view of 
Northern Ireland's future. 
            /// TRIMBLE ACT ONE ///
      The Ulster Unionist party recognizes that it is 
      legitimate for nationalists to pursue their 
      political objective of a united Ireland by 
      consent through exclusively peaceful and 
      democratic means.  The Ulster Unionist party is 
      committed to the principle of inclusivity, 
      equality, and mutual respect on which the 
      institutions are based.
            /// END ACT ///
Mr. Trimble says he is ready to set up the all-party 
executive council with Sinn Fein if the Irish 
Republican Army appoints a go-between to deal with the 
special commission on disarmament. 
            /// TRIMBLE ACT TWO ///
      We now have a chance to create a genuine 
      partnership between Unionists and Nationalists 
      in a novel form of government.  It offers us the 
      opportunity to put past failures behind us.  
            /// END ACT ///
The political wing of the Irish Republican Army -- 
Sinn Fein -- already has issued a statement pledging 
to oppose the use or threat of force in pursuit of its 
political objectives.  Sinn Fein also accepts that 
disarming paramilitary groups is essential to the 
peace process. 
The I-R-A is expected to issue its first public 
statement later this week offering its cooperation on 
disarmament.  The special independent commission will 
then issue its report on paramilitary disarmament 
early next week. 
The statements are all part of a series of confidence 
building measures carefully orchestrated by U-S 
mediator George Mitchell.  The gestures aim to break 
the impasse over I-R-A disarmament, which has blocked 
the establishment of the executive council.  
Until now, Ulster Unionists have insisted the I-R-A 
start disarming before Sinn Fein can join the 
executive council.  Britain will not transfer home-
rule powers to Northern Ireland until the council is 
operating.
Mr. Trimble now faces the tough task of selling his 
new approach to party supporters whose motto has been 
-- no guns, no government.   (SIGNED)
NEB/LMK/JWH/RAE
16-Nov-1999 08:39 AM EDT (16-Nov-1999 1339 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.