Trimble: Talks will not bring about breakthrough

The leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, David Trimble, has said he is not very optimistic of achieving a breakthrough in next week's round of meetings between the pro-Good Friday Agreement parties and the two Government's in Birmingham.

The negotiations are due to be chaired by the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern and the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair and are scheduled to begin on Monday.