REID SEEKS TO REKINDLE AGREEMENT

TALKS aimed at rekindling the future for the Good Friday Agreement took place at Hillsborough Castle on Friday, July 6.

The Secretary of State, Dr John Reid, met with the main pro-agreement parties in an attempt to break the political impasse in Northern Ireland.

On Thursday, July 5, following discussions in Dublin with Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen, the Secretary of State said: "We have reached a critical moment – a time for decisions, a time for commitment, a time for energy.

“In the coming days the eyes of the world will be on Northern Ireland. Will they once again see pictures of violence in the streets or will they see a place where different cultures co-exist without threat?

“Will they see politicians and other interested parties committed to the political process, or will they see politics falter?

“I know what the people want – North and South of the border. They want us to get on with the job of building a new Northern Ireland, based on inclusive democracy, the rejection of violence, and opportunity for all, irrespective of background.

“We all need to rekindle the vision that brought us the Good Friday Agreement if we are to make progress in the coming days."

However, the latest round of talks was being played down against the forthcoming talks due to take place at Weston Park in Shropshire next week.

Widely regarded as the make or break talks, the two days set aside for the discussions will almost certainly decided the future of the Good Friday Agreement.

(SP)