Republican News · Thursday 17 April 2003

Fifth anniversary of Agreement marks "crucial stage" in process

Speaking in the Dáil debate on the peace process on Tuesday, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghin ó Caoláin TD said the process was at a "very crucial stage". He said the IRA had taken an "unprecedented initiative" and the two governments and all parties should respond. He urged the publication of the governments' Joint Declaration.

"It is my wish and that of my Sinn Féin colleagues that collectively, all parties and both governments will overcome the difficulties of this phase and move forward together," he said.

"I urge the two governments to publish their Joint Declaration. It should have been published last Thursday when my party colleagues and I, along with the other parties, were in Hillsborough.

"While the Joint Declaration has not yet been published, we have had a quite unprecedented initiative by the IRA in which it has outlined to both governments its position in detail in an effort to move the process forward.

"Sinn Féin has been engaged in intensive efforts to see the current deadlock ended and the Good Friday Agreement implemented in full. The IRA has responded positively to this. The two governments have recognised the positive nature of the IRA response and have acknowledged the desire of the IRA to make the peace process work. So what is the current delay about? The two governments, the UUP, all of us, should seize this opportunity.

"All of the issues in the Good Friday Agreement are issues of entitlements and rights - not subject to precondition by governments, political parties or armed groups. This time five years ago the Good Friday Agreement would have been seen as an impossible achievement. Five years on let us not underestimate the advances that have been made.

"I wish all the negotiators well and look forward to real progress in the coming days."