Norfthern Ireland peace may be near
UPI
Norfthern Ireland peace may be near
BELFAST, Northern Ireland, April 6, (UPI) - A Northern Ireland peace
accord may be near as all sides voice optimism (Monday) they have a deal
on the table and ready for approval. Former U.S. Senate leader George
Mitchell, who is chairing the talks, is offering his version of the
broad outline of a settlement.
bc-britain-ireland
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UPI
Norfthern Ireland peace may be near
BELFAST, Northern Ireland, April 6, (UPI) - The Northern Ireland
peace talks are on the verge of agreement today with all sides
expressing optimisim that a tentative settlement is on the table and
ready for approval.
British Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam said this morning the
talks have reached a critical point and that, while details remain to be
ironed out, a general agreement is before negotiators.
Noting a looming Thursday deadline, she told reporters during a break
from the talks today in Stormont, near Belfast, ``I am confident, and I
believe a deal is on the table.''
She added that all party ``leaders and the people of Northern Ireland
would like to find an accommodation.''
Negotiators are also working with a proposed settlement outline
offered this morning by former U.S. Senate leader George Mitchell, who
chairs the multi-party peace talks.
Mitchell set the Thursday deadline.
Mitchell McLaughlin, chairman of Sinn Fein, the political wing of the
outlawed Irish Republican Army, also expressed optimism that 21 months
of arduous negotiations were nearing an end.
He told reporters today ``The question is whether (details) can be
sorted out in time for the talks deadline itself, but yes, I believe
they can be sorted out.''
At issue since January has been the establishment, composition and
jurisdiction of administrative and legislative bodies to rule in
Northern Ireland and on cross-border issues with the Irish Republic.
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has insisted any deal can only be
``transitional'' to a united Ireland.
For his part, Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble said he is
``certain'' major disagreements on key issues can be resolved by
Thursday.
He said, ``If we actually work out the practicalities of it, I think
it will not be that difficult.''
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