SINN FEIN has responded positively to a call by Senator Edward Kennedy for a new IRA ceasefire to strengthen President Clinton's hand in putting pressure on the next British prime minister to allow republicans to enter all party talks in early June.
In an article in Saturday's Irish Times the Massachusetts senator strongly implied that the IRA would have to deliver an immediate ceasefire if President Clinton's interest in the peace process was to be maintained and the Irish American lobby was to retain its influence.
He also said that the British government had procrastinated for too long during the 18 month IRA ceasefire and urged that Sinn Fein be allowed into talks if there was a new cessation of violence.
The Sinn Fein vice president Mr Pat Doherty, said that he agreed with much in the article. He maintained that his party had already stated that a new IRA ceasefire would be genuine and unequivocal.
"It is reasonable to expect the same clarity from the British government", he said. "Even at this late stage, the responsibility for creating credible talks lies with the two governments, but particularly Mr Major."
Mr Doherty said that Senator Kennedy had identified the core issues which needed to be resolved if meaningful negotiations were to occur.
"Decommissioning does need to be removed as a precondition and obstacle to progress", he said. "A time frame is clearly a sensible proposition. Confidence does need to be built by all sides and of course the timing of Sinn Fein's entry to negotiations, which we believe should be immediate needs to be spelt out clearly."
Mr Doherty praised Senator Kennedy's commitment and his "obvious desire to play an active part in rebuilding a credible peace process".