(7 May 1998) English/Nat
The British government warned Thursday that peace in Northern Ireland can't be taken for granted.
The cabinet minister responsible for the province, Mo Mowlam, said a major terrorist attack could blow the peace process off track - ahead of the May 22 referendum on a settlement.
Meanwhile the main pro-British and pro-Irish parties in Northern Ireland - while attacking each other - both called for a Yes vote when the people go to the polls.
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble, who wants Northern Ireland to stay within the United Kingdom, is facing dissension within his party ranks over the ratification of the Northern Ireland accord reached on April 10.
But on Thursday he made it clear that he unequivocally supported a 'yes' vote when the deal is put to the people in a referendum on May 22.
Trimble said all sides would have to compromise over the deal - and would not be allowed to back down from commitments given in the accord.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Groups such as Sinn Fein cannot pick and choose. They cannot have the advantage of the agreement without accepting the obligations and we - and I believe the government also - are determined to make sure that this is carried through.
SUPER CAPTION: David Trimble, Ulster Unionist leader
One influential unionist group - the Orange Order - has called on its fifty thousand members to reject the peace accord and vote 'no' vote in the referendum.
The fraternity's ceremonial banners, which come out during the so-called 'marching season,' are testament to their deep loyalty to the British crown.
In London on Thursday, the Protestant group's leaders met British Prime Minister Tony Blair for more than an hour to air their concerns over issues like decommissioning of weapons by terrorist factions.
Afterward, the order's general secretary, John McCrea, said they had listened carefully to Blair and would consult their members on their return to Northern Ireland.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"The discussion was open and frank. We have been very honest with Mr Blair and have listened carefully to what he had to say. He confirmed the agreement is a multi-party agreement and it cannot be varied or amended. We are, therefore, confirmed in our opinion that those matters which we find objectionable cannot be altered."
SUPER CAPTION: John McCrea, Orange Order Secretary
The peace accord would create a new Northern Ireland Assembly with 108 seats overseen by a 12-member Executive from several parties.
The IRA-allied Sinn Fein party's constitution forbids participating in any such administration.
But on Thursday, the party's Gerry Adams signaled his determination to win support on Sunday to change the party policy.
Adams will need a two-thirds majority Sunday to secure the change.
The Sinn Fein leader made clear his belief that the party should play an active role in the democratic process.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"The IRA has made it clear it will not surrender its weapons, so have all the other armed groups. Sinn Fein is not an armed group. Sinn Fein is not the IRA and we do not intend to allow the rights of our electorate to be subverted in any way."
SUPER CAPTION: Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein President
Meanwhile the British minister responsible for Northern Ireland, Mo Mowlam, warned there was no room for complacency - a big bomb could wreck what had already been achieved.
CAPTION: Mo Mowlam, Northern Ireland Secretary
Mowlam made clear Northern Ireland is on the brink of peace - but it's not there yet.
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