Hopes are high that a power-sharing executive can be set up in the North and some arms decommissioned in the coming weeks. This follows statements on the Good Friday Agreement by David Trimble and Gerry Adams. The Ulster Unionist leader said that there was now a chance to create a genuine partnership between Unionists and Nationalists in a novel form of government. The Sinn Féin leader said that he accepted decommissioning was an essential part of the peace process, and added that he was confident the IRA remained committed to a permanent peace.
The SDLP has also reaffirmed its commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, saying it was a chance to leave behind division and conflict for once and for all. The Alliance Party also urged the establishment of the Executive as soon as possible and a start to decommissioning.
Today's statements are aimed at helping to clear the way towards arms decommissioning and a devolved government for the North. The setting out of the parties' positions had been agreed during negotiations under the chairmanship of Senator George Mitchell, who said yesterday that he was confident they were close to overcoming their differences.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Andrews, has described the statements from Mr Trimble and Mr Adams as "generous and visionary." In a statement, Mr Andrews said that the statements were a further important step towards a resolution of the impasse over full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
