Mitchell reports further progress on weapons issue

FORMER Senator George Mitchell reported further progress yesterday in his decommissioning inquiry but appeared to dampen expectations…

FORMER Senator George Mitchell reported further progress yesterday in his decommissioning inquiry but appeared to dampen expectations that his report would break the deadlock in the peace process.

The British Prime Minister, Mr Major, had a "stocktaking" meeting to clarify a few points with the international commission at Downing Street last night, as Mr Mitchell confirmed his report on decommissioning would be published next week.

However, he said "the question is not whether this is going to be resolved in a single act or a single document or a single statement rather whether the process of moving towards a just and lasting peace and reconciliation will be maintained". He continued "We believe and hope that it will be and we hope that in some small way we can contribute to that."

After the 75 minute meeting Mr Mitchell said he was pleased with the progress the three man commission had made and expressed their optimism about answering these "serious" questions responsibly.

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"From tomorrow and over the next few days we will deliberate and explain our views to each other before writing our report. We are going to do the best we can to make a positive contribution, but the deadlock can only be broken by the parties themselves," he said.

Downing Street described the meeting as a "final stocktaking" session, before the international commission completes its report. "There were just a few points that needed to be clarified," a spokesman added.

It is understood that Mr Major and the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, should receive the report next Tuesday.

Last night the international commission also had a "final" meeting at the House of Commons with the Ulster Unionist leader, Mr David Trimble, and its security spokesman, Mr Ken Maginnis.