An Phoblacht/Republican News, October 28, 2003
British government statement on talks, election
The following is the full text of a statement today by the
British government on IRA arms, confirming the forthcoming
elections to the Belfast Assembly on November 26 and
re-emphasising its commitment to the Good Friday Agreement:
"We regret very much that despite the significant developments
in the peace process last week and further progress over this
past weekend, it has not proved possible to resolve all the
differences that emerged on the issue of decommissioning and
move forward into the election on the basis of agreement."
"However, this setback should not obscure the major steps
forward taken by the republican movement. The statement by
Gerry Adams on October 21, which was endorsed by the IRA,
confirmed the commitment to exclusively peaceful and
democratic means and signalled the full and final closure of
the conflict. These developments and a third act of arms
decommissioning by the IRA, overseen by the Independent
International Commission, are greatly to be welcomed. And we
pay tribute to General John de Chastelain and Andrew Sens for
their integrity and the professionalism with which they have
undertaken their difficult task.
"The outstanding issue is the degree of transparency to be
attached to acts of decommissioning, both in terms of the arms
dealt with and how long it will take to complete the process.
Despite the lengthy and constructive engagement of the
leadership of the Ulster Unionists, the Government regrets
that it was not possible to reach agreement on these matters
in terms which were conducive to creating public confidence on
all sides.
"Elections will take place on November 26, as announced last
week. After that the British and Irish Governments will work
with the parties to resolve the issue as quickly as possible,
so as to enable devolved Government to be restored to the
people of Northern Ireland. We remain optimistic that this
will be achievable, building on the progress we have made in
the last week.
"In the meantime, the Government stands by its commitments. We
are fully committed to the Agreement as the only way forward
for inclusive political progress. Its fundamental principles
are not a matter for negotiation in the review that will take
place following the elections. The continuing implementation
of the Agreement also remains a firm commitment and that is
why we shall seek after the elections urgently to create the
conditions which will enable a working executive to be formed
and all the elements of the Joint Declaration to be taken
forward.
"We hope that the election campaign will be positive and
constructive, and that after the elections we can build on the
good working relationships between all the parties in Northern
Ireland which have developed from their work together in the
Executive and subsequently in the negotiations that have taken
place since suspension."