Standing in the way of peace…
Standing in the way of peace…
Recent announcements that the talks have been halted because of a security attack by loyalist paramilitary Michael Stone – the man who murdered 3 people at a funeral in 1988 and was released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. His actions have meant vacating the building, which is likely to continue for the rest of the day. This is saddening for all of us watching on the fringes and are desperate to see resolution and peace for our neighbours.
Blair and Hain should try and re-start the talks as soon as possible – if possible today – to show that terrorists like these do not have a baring on the politics of a democratic society. These action need forcing out of the politics of Northern Ireland; community leaders should be condemning the actions to show an outcry from people on the ground that one man will not stand in the way of peace that the over whelming majority want.
The purpose of the talks was to implement the St. Andrew’s agreement and see through a plan to get the Stormont Assembly re-established. The DUP and Sinn Fein are currently posturing over nominations for the position of First Minister and Deputy First Minister, policing and the Irish Language Bill.
Prime Minister Tony Blair said that despite the breach, the St Andrew's Agreement remained the only way forward. Speaking from Downing Street, Tony said: "No move forward in Northern Ireland is easy, we've learned that over 10 years.
Fingers crossed!
More info: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/default.stm
I don't see much hopes for resumption because of the dogged determination of Paisley to scupper any chance of working with Sien Fenn. Once that stubborn priest has departed the political scene the better. I had hoped the opportunity of his being joint First Minister might have appealed to his vanity.
Posted by: swatantra nandanwar | November 26, 2006 at 09:23 PM
Richard, as spot on as ever, you vile militant :op
Posted by: el tom | November 27, 2006 at 03:09 AM