New talks format a test for Unionists
THE peace talks at Stormont are set to move up a gear following
agreement on Tuesday to hold discussions with only two
representatives of each party.
This new format puts the ball firmly in the Unionists' court. It
will show whether they are genuinely committed to working to find
a way forward.
Three months into the talks there is no sign of significant
progress from Stormont. Unionists have made a mockery of the
process by refusing to either engage with Sinn Féin or in serious
negotiations. Their submissions have ranged from three sentences
long to eight lines.
Following an intensive two week period of bilateral discussions
in Strand 1 (dealing with relationships in the North and chaired
by the British Government) and Strand 2 (dealing with All-Ireland
and chaired by Senator George Mitchell) there has still been no
agreement.
The Unionist leadership has failed to show imagination in the
face of the opportunity the talks offer and, governed by a siege
psychcology and fear of Lundy characters, it has shied away from
being seen talking to republicans.
With between 40 and 50 people involved in round table
negotiations, observers now hope that a new approach with reduced
numbers may offer a way forward.
On a two monthly basis a Plenary Review is held to assess
progress. It was in session over the past two weeks with no
progress to consider.
On Tuesday of this week, the party leaders were called to a brief
session of the talks by Senator Mitchell and it was agreed that
two representatives of each party would meet as a new working
group for a round of talks. Getting down to work yesterday, the
new group will hopefully give the Unionists space to engage in
serious negotiations. The parties will now set themselves the
task of trying to make an agreed statement of the broad areas for
negotiation by the New Year.
Welcoming the news Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams commented:
``We have seen some progress and I welcome that. This is a
significant little step forward. We have seen some progress and
we should build upon it.'' But he also cautioned that the main
problem was not the structure of the talks but a lack of
political will from the Unionists.
Talks Chairman, Senator Mitchell has described the move as
``getting down to brass tacks.''
For republicans the lack of progress has been frustrating and,
aware of this, our political enemies in the establishment and
media have tried to nurture rumours of discontent and internal
dissension.
Remaining committed to their peace project, Republicans will now
be looking for urgent progress on three fronts - equality, human
rights and demilitarisation. Continued failure to act on these,
which should be immediately addressed aside from the talks, has
been eroding confidence in the process.
Sinn Féin has been arguing for movement on equal rights for some
time, movement which would help to establish confidence in the
talks as a vehicle which can deliver peace and progress.
Unionism now needs to rise above its psychological weaknesses and
play a full and active role in the talks process and search for
peace.