(13 Jan 1997) English/Nat
New multi-party talks on the future of Northern Ireland have begun in Belfast, but they are in danger of being overshadowed by fears of escalating I-R-A violence.
Security chiefs believe the I-R-A is stepping up its campaign in a deliberate attempt to draw paramilitaries who wish to remain part of the U-K into retaliation.
Northern Ireland's political leaders again gathered at Belfast's Stormont Castle in an attempt at discussing the future of the British territory.
Security chiefs and loyalists who support Northern Ireland's union with Great Britain believe the I-R-A poses the biggest threat to peace in the territory.
They are concerned the I-R-A's renewed campaign could push loyalist paramilitaries into abandoning the ceasefire they have so far remained faithful too.
SOUNDBITE:
"You know, I don't think we should wish that the loyalist ceasefire should be over. I think we should concentrate our minds upon trying to overcome the difficulties which face us all in this damaged peace process and recognize the felons at this time are not the loyalists. The felons are the I-R-A who are intent upon bringing this country to its knees, and back into the sphere of conflict. And I don't believe that the people of Northern Ireland would want to see that happen. That is why we are here within this talks process to try and put together and consolidate what is left, what the I-R-A have left us with and try and take away, and remove the possibility of violence from our country. However, Republicans must face up to their responsibilities at this time and it is they who are holding a dagger to the throat of the peace process."
SUPER CAPTION: Guy McMichael, Leader, Ulster Democratic Party
The leader of the Democratic Unionists Party adopted his characteristic pessimistic view of the peace talks.
SOUNDBITE:
"I think these talks are over except the British government abides by the rules. Except the British government is prepared to accept what these talks are about and to keep the rules, then they are over because they have violated the rules already and they must keep to the rules. And they're very insistent that we keep to the rules. Why should they not keep to the rules."
SUPER CAPTION: Reverend Ian Paisley, Leader, Democratic Unionists Party
Part of the problem is that hardliners like Paisley remain resolutely opposed to negotiating with the I-R-A and its ally Sinn Fein.
SOUNDBITE:
"I think it's an absolute scandal that the people of Northern Ireland have been asked today by the government to rest their future and trusting the I-R-A army council, the army council of the loyalists. And we hear all these clergymen and everybody pleading with these people: 'Oh, don't do it, oh don't do it.' I think it's outrageous that I'm asked to give the future of my province into the hands of outlawed gangsters calling themselves military command, it's an absolute scandal in any part of any civilized society, let alone the United Kingdom."
SUPER CAPTION: Reverend Ian Paisley, Leader, Democratic Unionists Party
Less hard line loyalists however claimed that it was better to have the Protestant paramilitaries behind the Unionist parties supporting the ceasefire, than casting them out.
SOUNDBITE:
SUPER CAPTION: David Trimble, Leader, Ulster Unionist Party
Republicans warned of the grave danger that a loyalist return to violence would cause the peace process.
SOUNDBITE:
SUPER CAPTION: Seamus Mallon, Deputy leader, Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP)
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