Mowlam says governments will add momentum to talks

Dr Mo Mowlam has signalled the intention of the British and Irish governments to inject momentum into the talks process in an attempt to stabilise the deteriorating political and security situation.

The Northern Ireland Secretary, after a day-long series of meetings with parties both inside and outside the process, acknowledged that there was considerable danger of further violence. But she said there was universal political agreement that people must pull back from the edge.

She also acknowledged that the ceasefires of the mainstream loyalist paramilitary organisations were under strain, but while they were fragile, they were holding.

Dr Mowlam would not give specifics when asked if she would meet the loyalist demands for the early release of prisoners. "I think it is an issue that has to be dealt with, but I have to say that after the events of the last week this is not the moment to address it."

The main theme of yesterday's talks was the "participants' determination not to be deflected by people who have no interest other than destroying the talks process," she said.

"A central theme coming from the discussions was that it is essential at times of difficulty - of which there could well be more in the next weeks and months - that we all remain focused on our shared objective. That is to reach agreement in the talks process among the political parties. The talks are central."

At Stormont yesterday the Northern Secretary met a range of parties, including the DUP and the UK Unionist Party, which are boycotting the talks, and the Ulster Democratic Party, the Progressive Unionist Party and the SDLP. She is to meet the Ulster Unionist Party and Sinn Fein today.

She signalled that the British and Irish governments, in consultation with the talks chairman, Mr George Mitchell, may take an initiative to bring fresh momentum to the process. One proposal being considered was that the two governments should present their own draft agenda, which the parties could accept, reject or amend.

The advantage of the proposal, said SDLP deputy leader Mr Seamus Mallon, was that "at least we would be starting with firm proposals on Monday".

Mr Gary McMichael, leader of the UDP, which is linked to the UDA, said the talks were now at a dangerous stage and that there was potential for an escalation in violence.

"We are looking at a potential for the talks doing a U-turn and going belly-up. And that has serious implications for all of us, and could result in a wider resumption of violence. That is something we want to avoid."

The UDP is due to meet the UDA today to discuss the worsening political and security situation. A main focus of the discussions will be the decision by a majority of UDA prisoners in the Maze to withhold support for the peace process.

The chief PUP spokesman, Mr David Ervine, told Dr Mowlam that the peace process was in danger of collapsing if remedial action was not quickly taken. "We believe that dialogue is the only way forward."

Mr Ervine said that after tomorrow's meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrews, the PUP would decide whether it would be at Stormont on Monday.

Dr Mowlam said she realised there was a loyalist and unionist perception that confidence-building measures were running in favour of republicans, but she did not accept that. She was "responding fairly to both communities".

The Sinn Fein chairman, Mr Mitchel McLaughlin, said the claim that republicans were gaining concessions was "clearly false". The party's chief negotiator, Mr Martin McGuinness, said this was part of a unionist and loyalist strategy designed to prevent any changes in the status quo. "Although this is a dangerous and testing time for all of us, we will be impressing on the British Secretary of State that it is imperative that she keep her nerve."

Dr Ian Paisley, the DUP leader, accused the British government of capitulating to republicans. "The Secretary of State is bowing to blackmail from those representing the organisations who have guns and who will use those guns."

The Alliance leader, Lord Alderdice, said it was time for the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, to become directly involved again in the process.