Delegates waned that June talks represents `crossroads of history'

IF THE IRA did not reinstate its cease fire to allow Sinn Fein to participate in the June 10th all party talks, they would miss…

IF THE IRA did not reinstate its cease fire to allow Sinn Fein to participate in the June 10th all party talks, they would miss "a golden opportunity", the Tanaiste, Mr Spring, said in response to questions from British and Irish members of parliament last night.

The "crossroads of history" had been reached, Mr Spring said. "We can sit down together to work out the final denouement, if you like, of our difficulties."

Mr Spring was questioned by the Fianna Fail chief whip, Mr Dermot Ahern, about the recent remark of his adviser, Mr Fergus Finlay, that talks without Sinn Fein were "not worth a penny candle".

Mr Spring replied. "They were remarks made very much in a discursive discussion, which took about 20 minutes, but television has the liberty of deciding to pick out the bits that they know will cause most controversy as well we all know. We want everybody at the negotiations, that's the reality. We want all the parties there.

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"On the other hand, I would also state very firmly that, if parties preclude themselves by their own actions, or if they are precluded by other groups that they are associated with, we are going to start the talks."

Mr Spring said it was "as plain as a pikestaff" that "if you want the ultimate solution you need all the parties there that is the bottom line in that respect."

Asked about the arms decommissioning issue, he said. "There is little point going in there on June 10th to have a row yet again about decommissioning." He believed the Mitchell report on decommissioning would "effectively become the Bible that will see us through some of the difficulties that lie ahead".

He said the all party talks were "far more important" than the elective process.

On participation in the talks, Mr Spring said. "No party is going to have a veto, but what we want is all parties to have an entree."

Referring to the members of the International Body on Decommissioning, he said. "I know that Senator Mitchell and indeed John de Chastelain and Mr Holkeri are available to us. They have a body of expertise which proved itself in a short period of time."

Referring to "speculation" that the three men had been approached to play a role in the all party negotiations he said. "It could well happen".

"The reality is that it's too early at this stage. Both governments will come to agreement on personalities.

The Conservative MP, Mr David Wilshire, asked the Tanaiste if he was aware of the view of many in the United Kingdom that "simply reinstating a temporary truce just isn't enough". Decommissioning had to be agreed to "not just simply addressed" as the first item on the agenda, Mr Wilshire said, otherwise there would be no all party talks.

Replying, Mr Spring said. "I am aware of your views and I'm sure they're shared by some. I have heard them on many occasions. I usually try to hold on to my seat when I'm listening to them. But I think we come from different perspectives and I think we're going to have to find a bridge to reach across those perspectives, because if we don't we're not going to solve the problem."