The Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister are jointly hosting another round of talks with the main pro-Agreement parties to try to break the deadlock in the peace process. The round table talks, which also include the Women's Coalition and Alliance, are taking place this evening in Staffordshire, and may last well into the night. The talks at Weston Park in Staffordshire broke off earlier this week without a breakthrough.
As the SDLP delegation arrived for the negotiations, Seamus Mallon spoke to waiting reporters. He said that he hoped this was "decision time" and that when they leave, it would be for the very last time in these negotiations.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair believe they can still broker a deal between the parties. Time is running short, however. The British government has indicated that the round of discussions at Weston Park in Staffordshire this weekend may be the last chance to save the Northern Assembly from either suspension or fresh elections.
David Trimble resigned as First Minister over lack of movement on putting IRA weapons beyond use. After three days of talks so far this week, Ulster Unionists say that there has still been no progress on that issue. Sinn Féin want greater clarity on issues such as British demilitarisation of the North and police reform. However, the British are now facing Unionist calls for the expulsion of Sinn Féin ministers from the Northern Executive.
