State papers: John Hume drafted IRA ceasefire statement

Mr Hume said he had drafted the document following a meeting with the British prime minister, John Major.

Previously classified documents made available by the National Archives, shows Mr Hume prepared the draft statement for the Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams, with the hope that he could be persuaded to enter all-party talks. File Photo: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

The SDLP leader John Hume drafted a statement on behalf of the IRA in late 1996 announcing a new ceasefire by republican paramilitaries, confidential State papers have revealed.

Previously classified documents made available by the National Archives, shows Mr Hume prepared the draft statement for the Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams, with the hope that he could be persuaded to enter all-party talks.