Hardline Unionists resist arms deal

NORTHERN IRELAND politicians spent yesterday digesting the outcome of this week's Hillsborough Castle negotiations on arms decommissioning, and wondering how the Ulster Unionists and Sinn Fein will withstand the strains.

The document that emerged from the talks is seen as posing problems for both sides, as it requires decommissioning from republicans and the subsequent acceptance by Unionists of Sinn Fein in government.

Sinn Fein and the IRA traditionally resort to holding many meetings at many levels when considering matters of such obvious importance, so it may be some days before a considered response emerges.

Loyalist paramilitary groupsare also being asked to de-commission. One initial response from loyalist sources was to ask why they should give up their guns for the purpose of facilitating Sinn Fein's entry into government.

Within David Trimble's Ulster Unionist Party, two MPs who are known for their opposition to the Good Friday Agreement gave critical responses to the document. Their comments are seen as signalling a campaign is under way within the party to prevent Mr Trimble going ahead with the establishment of an executive that would include Sinn Fein.

The West Tyrone Ulster Unionist MP, William Thompson, described the document as "almost incomprehensible", saying his party could not enter into an executive on such a "flimsy and indeterminate" policy. The idea of even nominating members to an executive without decommissioning was unacceptable, he said.

He said the suggestion of ceremonies of remembrance for victims of violence to which political, government and church representatives would be invited "beggars belief". He said: "It clearly indicates how far the two governments are out of touch with the realities of Northern Ireland."

A second indication of opposition came from the Lagan Valley MP, Jeffrey Donaldson, who said the document was full of imprecise language. "I think we will have to look at this in a lot more detail before coming to a conclusion."

The Northern Ireland Secretary, Mo Mowlam, urged all sides to support the document, saying: "I think we have come a long, long way. This week we made a lot of progress; the parties worked very hard. I think if they continue that collective responsibility we will continue to make progress. I now think it is time to move on, the road is clear and we should move down it."

Paying tribute to Sinn Fein, she said no one had worked harder during the week than the team led by Gerry Adams. "I believe their commitment to making peace is very strong, but to find the road to go down is one we have to work at together."

On the first anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, a peace march was held between St Peter's Catholic Cathedral near the Falls Road in Belfast and St Anne's Church of Ireland Cathedral in the city centre. The event was designed as a show of unity by Catholics and Protestants.

One of the organisers, Father Francis O'Brien, said he hoped it would demonstrate that despite the difficulties that remain between the political parties, there was a strong desire for peace. "The impression that people have, looking into Northern Ireland, is nothing but tension and conflict. We would like to present a slightly different picture - that people from different traditions are willing to, and do, come together to pray, work and worship."