The following is the joint statement issued yesterday following the Anglo Irish Intergovernmental Conference:
1. A two part meeting of the Anglo Irish Intergovernmental Conference was concluded in Dublin on February 7th, 1996. The initial discussion took place in London on February 1st, 1996.
2. The Irish Government was represented by the Joint Chairman, Mr Dick Spring TD, Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, who was accompanied by Ms Nora Owen TD, Minister for Justice. The British government was represented by the Joint Chairman, the Rt Hon Sir Patrick Mayhew QC MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, who was accompanied by the Rt Hon Michael Ancram MP, Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office.
Political matters:
3. The conference conducted an extensive review of all recent developments in the peace process.
4. It recalled the objectives agreed by the two governments in the communique of November 28th 1995, in particular their firm aim of achieving the launch of all party negotiations, by way of the twin track process, by the end of February.
5. The Conference welcomed the report of the International Body and expressed its gratitude to the members of the Body for the manner in which they discharged the mandate entrusted to them. Ministers endorsed all the recommendations made by the Body. They considered that the Report of the Body makes an outstanding contribution to the search for progress in relation to all party negotiations designed to achieve a comprehensive three stranded settlement.
6. In furtherance of the two governments' firm aim of securing the launch of all party talks by the end of February, the Conference reaffirmed its decision to intensify the twin track process. Each side put forward proposals in this regard and work on them will be taken forward.
7. Subjects for discussion within this intensified dialogue will include the Body's report and the potential it offers for a way forward. Among other issues for discussion, and as foreshadowed in the November Communique, would be the question of whether and how, if it were broadly acceptable, with an appropriate mandate and within the three stranded structure, an elective process could contribute to the building of confidence.
8. The Conference looked forward to full engagement in this intensified process on the part of all the parties. It called on all parties to join urgently with both governments and play their full part in shaping an agreed way forward to all party talks.
9. The Conference underlined the determination of both governments to remain in close contact at all levels over the coming weeks with a view to the achievement of their joint objective. It noted that the two governments would be meeting at Head of Government level later this month to review progress.