Stormont talks to resume next week

THE multi party talks at Castle Buildings, Stormont, broke up yesterday until Monday, when discussions will continue on paramilitary disarmament and the Mitchell Report on decommissioning.

The Minister for Justice, Mrs Owen, speaking at Stormont, welcomed the progress made this week and repeated the Government's promise that legislation will be brought before the Dail "at an early date" to deal with the mechanics of decommissioning.

Mrs Owen said that "it's not correct to say the progress that was made this week was as a result of the Lisburn bombing."

She added that the Government was maintaining its policy of having no direct contact with Sinn Fein, although if its members wished they could contact Government officials. She was unaware of any such contact this week.

Asked about the Sinn Fein leader's comment that there was an onus on the British prime minister to ensure that meaningful talks would take place in the event of an IRA ceasefire, Mrs Owen said Mr Adams should face up to his own responsibilities in helping re establish a ceasefire.

Much of yesterday's plenary talks session was dedicated to the UK Unionist leader, Mr Robert McCartney, outlining his views on decommissioning.