Republican News · Thursday 18 October 2001

[An Phoblacht]

Sinn FŽin leaders toil to save process

Inaccurate and untrue rumours dismissed

In recent weeks there has been intense media speculation surrounding the supposed intentions of the IRA. Some journalists have claimed that the IRA leadership has already decided on decommissioning. Others have claimed that votes have been taken to that effect, others that an IRA convention is imminent or has taken place. The Irish Times on Wednesday even spoke of republicans being briefed to expect some move on decommissioning by the IRA.

This speculation has created enormous confusion and uncertainty, not just among republican activists but also wider afield. It has raised an expectation of a breakthrough not based on the current state of play.

Phoblacht understands that all these rumours are inaccurate and untrue.

What is true is that Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness have been involved in intense negotiations with the two governments, the Ulster Unionists and others. These efforts to try and resolve the crisis triggered by David Trimble's actions and by the failure of the British government to honour their commitments have been ongoing for some time. The goal of the Sinn FŽin leadership is to create a context in which progress is possible across a range of crucial matters leading to the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

As we go to print, however, that context for progress has not been achieved and Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness remain locked in concentrated discussions to try to create it. Gerry Adams has cleared his diary so that he can give a singular focus to this, while Martin McGuinness is devoting as much time as his ministerial responsibilities allow.

While sections of the media and the political establishments have a singular focus on the issue of weapons, Sinn FŽin sees this in the wider context of the peace process as a whole. In the effort to create a political context in which progress is possible, it is essential that David Trimble makes clear his commitment to working and sustaining the institutions. Tony Blair also carries an enormous responsibility, given the British government's unfulfilled commitments on policing, demilitarisation, the equality and human rights agenda and other matters of concern.

Yesterday, however, David Trimble announced that the resignations of his party's three ministers will go ahead today.

As An Phoblacht goes to print, Sinn FŽin's Gerry Kelly, responding, said: "The decision and the responsibility for the Ulster Uninist Party ministers resigning is entirely a matter for the UUP and for the ministers concerned. They cannot dodge that issue or pass the blame to others.

"Sinn FŽin will not be walking away from our political responsibilities. Our view on the UUP's attitude to the political institutions and their obligations is very clear. The responsibility of politicians is to make politics work. That is what the UUP should be doing."


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