The following is the text of a statement read to the media outside Stormont by a Northern Ireland Office press officer in relation to the exclusion of Sinn Fein from the talks:
This is a joint statement issued by the British and Irish Governments. Sinn Fein are not at today's talks because there has been no restoration of the August 1994 ceasefire. It has been the consistent position of both governments since February, reflected in paragraph 9 of the ground rules for Substantive All Party Negotiations, that the resumption of ministerial dialogue with Sinn Fein and their participation in negotiations, requires the unequivocal restoration of the ceasefire of August 1994.
