US envoy optimistic over breakthrough in peace process

THE US special envoy to Northern Ireland said he was optimistic that a breakthrough could be made in the peace process in advance of next May’s elections.

Richard Haass, who met Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday, said there were many hurdles to be cleared in the weeks ahead but was hopeful the North’s power-sharing government could be re-established by February.

“I think everyone has a pretty good idea of what needs to be done and where we’re heading,” he said.

“The devil’s in the details and obviously translating a general understanding into specific implementation is something else.

“I think that it is ambitious but not unrealistic to hope that we can get this resolved early next year, which would then be the perfect lead-up to elections on May 1.”

Significantly, he indicated that Sinn Féin participation in policing would be desirable but not essential for the new executive.

“For a long time people such as myself have argued for Sinn Féin’s participation on the policing board. I think that it would be a step in the right direction.

“Obviously this would not negate the need for progress on other fronts, whether involving republicans, involving the IRA getting rid of its capability and normalisation on the British side, or for example, equality and human rights,” he said.

Ulster Unionists have insisted that Sinn Féin may only join a re-constituted power-sharing assembly if they bring a conclusion to all paramilitary activity.

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, however, has indicated that the IRA will not give into Unionist demands and that the British government must play a vital role in breaking the deadlock.

Mr Haass was speaking as multi-party talks got under way in Belfast aimed at finding a solution to the crisis in the peace process.

The meetings were chaired by Foreign Affairs Minister Brian Cowen and the North’s Secretary of State, Paul Murphy.

At yesterday’s talks the loyalist Progressive Unionists, cross-community Alliance Party and Women’s Coalition are understood to have stressed the need for a fully-inclusive process.

Representatives from the Ulster Unionist Party, the SDLP and Sinn Féin are also attending the talks, which have been boycotted by the Democratic Unionist Party.