(9 Dec 1994) Eng/Nat
The British government and Sinn Fein, the political wing of the Irish Republican Army, have begun face-to-face talks, just three months after a ceasefire was called.
After discussions lasting more than three hours, Sinn Fein's leader said "We've made a beginning".
They'll meet again later this month.
The five-strong Sinn Fein delegation came to the government buildings at Stormont to negotiate how the party can enter talks on the future of Northern Ireland.
The delegation was led by Martin McGuinness,and included Gerry Kelly, who was convicted of bombing the Central Criminal Court in London in 1973, seen here (on steps) on McGuinness's left. (wearing glasses)
It also included Sean McManus, whose son Joe, an I-R-A member was shot dead in 1992,(grey hair, beard) and Siobahn O'Hanlon, who was jailed for possessing explosives. (blue suit)
Cedric Wilson, a Unionist opposed to any talks involving Sinn Fein, protested outside the building.
NATSOT
The British side was led by Deputy Secretary Quentin Thomas, the government's chief civil service advisor on political affairs in Belfast.
Today's talks are seen as a vital first step in a long process.
SOUNDBITE:
We have made a beginning. It should have happened a long time ago. We came here to put the Republican analysis and we're satisfied we've done that. This is our submission which we have given to the British government. This is the basis on which we entered talks. This is an historic opportunity which needs to be built upon and we have arranged another meeting for 19th December. We have told the British Government it is now time to liberate the oppressed and the oppressor.
SUPER CAPTION: Martin McGuinness, Sinn Fein
Stumbling blocks between the two sides include disarming the IRA, and the status of Northern Ireland. Sinn Fein say it should be absorbed into the Republic of Ireland. These, and other key issues, are to be discussed at later round table talks.
SOUNDBITE:
Obviously we welcome the fact that exploratory dialogue started this morning and I think many people realise it could have started a lot earlier had violence ended a lot earlier but it is a step forward and a very important step forward. The talks on an exploratory basis were businesslike and constructive. Both sides presented opening statements which they read. I understand that you have been given a copy of the British government's statement and you will see that it sets out again the basis of the British government's position in relation to the principles within the joint declaration in relation to the talks process and indeed to policies which may be covered under the second element of the exploratory dialogue.
SUPER CAPTION: Michael Ancram, Northern Ireland Minister
SOUNDBITE:
What we have said is two things. One is the question of the decommissioning of arms be satisfactorily resolved during the course of this process because otherwise it will form a substantial barrier to moving forward to inclusive dialogue. Secondly it is a matter of fact that all parties will not come round the table unless they are they on an an equal and equivalent basis and obviously the question of decommissioning of arms has an important role to play in that.
SUPER CAPTION: Michael Ancram, Northern Ireland Minister
The last time the IRA sat down openly with the British was in 1921. Those talks led to the partition of Ireland, with nominal independence for the mainly Catholic south, and continued British rule in the mainly Protestant north.
The two sides meet again on December 19.
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