Unclassified FBIS Daily Report West Europe

29 Pages·6.1 MB·English

by  United States Foreign Broadcast Information Service

Daily Report-—
West Europe
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Daily Report
West Europe
FBIS-WEU-96-02! CONTENTS 3] January 1996
INTER-EUROPEAN AFFAIRS
EU: De Silguy on Introduction Of Euro, EMU [Brussels TV] ..ccccccccccccvssvsvve-svvsvsseveeesvveeseoveen co
EU: Commissioner De Silguy on EMU Controversy /Pavis LE FIGARO 29 Jan] _...... -_
EU: Retreat on Turkish Human Rights Protested {London FINANCIAL TIMES 31 Jan]
ah w
UNITED KINGDOM
UK: Major, Hume Agree on Ulster Elections Issue {THE TIMES 3] Jan] _................... spsvsdeintdecuenes a
UK: Talks Fail To Bridge Elections Divide /PRESS ASSOCIATION] 2........0.0...c00.c0ccceceoeeeveeveseveeevevee
UK: Paisley Says ‘No Compromise Over Elections’ (London TVJ o...c.cccccccccceceeeeees sesuaicieuatiiaeniuawibies
UK: Paisley Says SF, SDLP “Will Take Part’ /P RESS ASSOCIATION]
UK: Clarke Discusses Economy, Monetary Union [FINANCIAL TIMES 31 Jan) ..0.0.0.0.0.0.00.0
UK: German Agents Sold Russian Secrets to British /THE DAILY TELEGRAPH 30 Jan!
GERMANY
Germany: Bonn Continues Military Support for Romania [DDP/ADN] ...0000..0..000.........
Germany: Waigel Says Need ‘National Stability Pact’ /DDP/ADN] secaeetennctenaseni
Germany: Rexrodt Sees Unemployment as Biggest Problem {/DDP/ADN] _..........
Germany: Commission Opposes Draft Telecom Law /HANDELSBLATT 30 Jan]
FRANCE
France: De Charette Wants U.S. To Pay 1/3 Bosnia Aid /LES ECHOS 30 Jan]
France: Juppe Committed to Single Currency [Paris Radio} oo...0..c.cccccceccccceeeeeeereereneees
France: Lamassoure Says Will Meet | Jan Deadline /Paris TV] _........
France: Paris, Bonn Try Different Economic Remedies /LE FIGARO LE FIG- EC O 30 Jan}
France: Chirac Ready To ‘Adapt’ Economic Policy /LA TRIBUNE DESFOSSES 29 Jan]
France: Unemployment Reaches More Than 3 Million /Paris TV] _..............
France: “Europessimism’ Seen Gaining Ground /LJBERATION 24 Jan]
PORTUGAL
Portugal: Gama, WEU's Cutileiro on European Defense [DIARIO DE NOTICIAS 26 Jan]
CYPRUS
Cyprus: Denounces Turkish Weapons Buildup in North /Nicosia Radio] 17
Cyprus: Atun Meets With British on Role as Guarantor /Bayrak Radio] 17
Cyprus: Mixhailidhis Endorses EU Representative /Nicosia Radio] _.........
GREECE
Greece: Simitis, Evert Speak or: Acgean Resolution /Athens TV] _........
Greece: Opposition Denounces U.S., Athens on Aegean /A thens Radio|
Greece: Arsenis Reviews Islet Incident /A thens TV/ —_
=< <
Greece: U.S. Said To Have Ignored Aegean Crisis /ELEVTHEROTIPIA 2” Jan] 20
Greece: U.S. Said To Encourage Turkish Provocations /ELEVTHEROTIPIA 31 Jan]
eo
TURKEY
Turkey: Ciller Announces Crisis ‘Resolved’ /Ankara TV] _..........
Turkey: Baykal Announces End to Kardak Crisis /Ankara TV]
Jby hP yy
Turkey: Erbakan Denounces US. in Islet Resolution /Ankara TV/
Turkey: Protocol on Baku-Supsa Oil Pipeline Signed /DUNYA 25 Jan/
hhyy|
FBIS-WEU-96-021
INTER-EUROPEAN AFFAIRS 1
31 January 1996
EU: De Silguy on Introduction of Euro, EMU [Moucheron] Spanish Foreign Minister Westendorp has
said that if there is no third major European country,
BR2901152896 Brussels RTBF-1 Television Network
apart from France and Germany — he means Spain
in French 1125 GMT 27 Jan %
— to join the single currency, it will be necessary to
{Studio interview with Yves-Thibault de Silguy, Eu- adjust the umetable. Nevertheless, Mr. Westendorp is a
ropean Commissioner responsible for economic, finan- convinced European.
cial, and monetary affairs, by Georges Moucheron; date
[De Silguy] I personally hold to what the heads of state
not given; from the “Object of Europe” program —
and government have stated unanimously. In Madrid
recorded]
last month they stated that they will respect the date
[FBIS Translated Excerpt] [passage omitted] of 1 January 1999. Consequently, the Euro will be
[Moucheron}] Does the single currency have dis- introduced on that date. Untul then no one will be
advantages’? Or are there only advantages’ excluded. And I hope that the largest possible number
of countries will be able to participate in the Euro from
[De Silguy] Objectively there are only advantages.
Giscard d’Estaing has made a very good comparison. the very beginning. Therefore, the member states have
to take measures and to continue the efforts needed.
He said that we are only talking about moving, bul we
forget to discuss what we will find in the new house. {Moucheron] Why do these Europe-minded ‘uigh-level
There will be fears, expectations, maybe restraints, people have fears and doubts about the umetabie? Has
which differ in the various countnes and industrial anything fundamental damaged thei confidence’
sectors. As a whole, however, the balance is surciy
positive. The current problem is not the single currency, [De Silguy} In France there has been a movement
named “the single thought” [la pensce unique]. | have
but rather the transition to the single currency. We have
to reassure the citizens about the conditions of this the impression that this movement has changed course.
It is fashionable to say: “We have doubts, u will not
transition. [passage omitted]
materialize. 1 disagree. There is absolutely no reason
[Moucheron] Will there be no risk when spreading the to have doubts because i is necessary and not only
introduction over such a long period of time? Will for the legal reason of observing the terms of a treaty
it not generate large-scale speculation from now unt!
lt 1* necessary, it 1s good, and the Europeans need it.
1999, and especially between 1998 and 1999, when the
The conditions for the transition to succeed are perfectly
countries which will form part of EMU will be known? realisuc and realizahic. So, today there is absolutely no
[De Silguy] What we have to do is shape monetary reason for pessimism and watt-and-see policy
union and economic union at the same time, Le., a
[Moucheron] Would you term those whe doutm the
rapprochement hetween the economic conditions in the
feasidility of the single currency ‘irresponsible people,
various countries. When the decision is to be made,
like Santer did”
the countries will be very close to cach other in
terms of inflation, budget deficit, and budget policy [De Silguy} There are some pe.,le who want to
As a consequence, the causes of monetary instability delay the metable. This would mean that we have
will have disappeared. The markets will be capable of to renegotiate the treaty. Those who were against the
anticipating this movement. There is no a priori reason Maastricht Treaty are now trying to find an argument
to fear speculation. Of course, technical measures, on to renegotiate the Maastricht Treaty. Then I say, like
which | will not elaborate here, wiil be put in place to Mr. Santer’ Beware’ Danger’ If you want to reopen
avoid speculation to happen discussions about the Maastricht Treaty then you open
the door to the decline of Europe
[Moucheron} One of your most famous predecessors,
Jacques Delors, has vowed slight douls about the [Moucheron] Do you agree with those who think that
feasimility of the time schedule. He said it will be a campaign against the single currency has been set
difficult to introduce EMU on time. That statement has up by financial lobes, such as banks and insurance
not pleased you, | guess companies, which have a lot to lose in the event of the
introduction of the single currency’
[De Silguy} You have to know Jacques Delors. He 1s
ve. ¢ Cautious, he always tres to make people assume [De Silguy] There are two sorts of banks. There are
their responsitilives. So, he prompts people to make those who say’ Mr. de Silguy, this will cost a lot of
efforts, to work. He has not said: “We will not be adic moncy. What do you plan to do to help us?” Then there
to meet the umetabie. He said: “To meet the tumetabic. are those who say) Mr. de Silguy, hurry up. give us
we have to work.” That 1s how | understood his message a scenario, and specify transition measures because we
And he is night want to be first to be ready. We know that those who
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FBIS-WEL-96-021
2 INTER-EUROPEAN AFFAIRS 31 January 1996
are ready first will have the highest benefits. As a result, the better. On other hand, we cannot accept a purely
there are two attitudes in Europe, 1.¢., conservatives and bilateral agreement linking two currencies because a
progressives whole process 1s going on in the framework of setting up
the Euro, which 1s based on the creation of a European
([Moucheron] Thus far only one country, namely Luxem-
central bank, on a common monctary policy, on a
bourg, meets the Maastricht convergence criteria. Even
common exchange policy. Therefore, 11 1s not sufficient
Germany does not meet them. Should we not, in one
to set fixed parities only to change them afterwards if we
way or another, cither relax the criteria or defer the
are not able to back them up by setung up tie instrument
deadline’?
which is to manage this European currency. Therefore
[De Silguy} Deferring the deadline is, as I told you we have to stick to what the treaty says and to what 1s
before, impossible. Relaxing the criteria is, | think, being put in place. [passage omuitied]
impossible because in order to set up a monctary union
{Mouchcron] From an opinion poll published last week
which 1s viable and supportable by all countries, we
it appeared that a majority of Europeans are in favor
need to have good economic convergence. This ts the
of the single currency. Nine countries have a majority
primary condition for an efhicsent functioning of the
in favor, whereas six remain against, among them
single currency. To meet these criteria Countries do not
Germany. This might be a tough blow for you
have to pass their exams today but in two years. In
two years the overall efforts that will be needed at the (De Silguy] It is a problem, but mt is normal. It ts
European level are not greater than those made over the normal because since the end of World War Il the
two previous years. Therefore, there is no reason for German population has lived with a currency that has
douts. In addition, | think that Europe's economy 1s brought about Germany's prospenty. In addition,
based on sound fundamentals. Al this moment there ts has an institution, the Bundesbank, which everyone
an economic slump, which, | beheve, is due precisely recognizes to be an excellent institution. Now we have
to monetary fluctuations. The monctary turmoil that to explain and show to the Germans that the Euro will
occurred in the spring of 1995 has had an effect of be equally stable and equally good as the German mark
distrust and dissuasion on financial operators. Investors The German Federal Government has launched a nation
have not invested as they were expected to do because wide information Campaign and in the coming months
they were afraid. Therefore, confidence ts needed we afe going to support it. [passage omitted]
The hases of Europe's cconomy are good. Inflavon has
EU: Commissioner De Silguy on EMU Controverss
never heen so low, foreign demand and exports are
excellent, interest rates have decreased lately, and we BR2I9O1135396 Paris LE FIGARO om French
29 Jan pad
always need a couple of months before we can see the
effects in terms of economic activity. The dollar has
[Interview with Yves-Thibault de Silguy. European
recovered. And | can continue the list
commissioner for cconomic, finances’, and monctary
[Moucheron] Do our economies not depend too much affairs, by Baudouin Bollaert; place an’ date not given
on the dollar. If the dollar rises, the European economy Should the Maastricht Critena Be Relaxed’ — Yves
revives, if the dollar goes down, everyone panics. It may Thibault de Silguy: ‘A Dangerous Debate’ |
he a good argument in favor of EMU
[FBIS Translated Text) Yves-Thibault de Silguy is
[De Silguy}] You gave my answer to the question the 47-year old European commissioner for economn
already. If we in Europe had a really European currency, and monctary affairs. Previously an adviser to Jacques
the Euro, we would have the means to better resist Chirac and Edouard Balladur, and former director of
external events and to participate in an international international relations for Usinor-Garilor, he is a pi
monetary dialogue in a much more constructive way, ahead Breton who positively revelicd in the GATT
Le., in search of greater statlity of exchange rates at ncgotiations. He has now inherited another ultrasensitiv e
the world level. [passage omitted] dossier with the launch of the Euro. He agreed to answer
mur questions
[Moucheron|] Mr. Monod of France's Lyonnaise des
Eaux has proposed to accelerate EMU by linking the [Bollaert] What do you reply to those people whe say
German mark and the French franc and to set fixed If | have to choose between Maastricht and jobs. then
parities hetween both currencies as soon as possibic. Is I choose johs"?
this idea realistic and might it speed up the process”
[De Silguy] | would say that the two are not incompat
[De Silguy) One part of this idea looks good to me ible hut rather that they complement one another The
namely that the sooner we have fixed cuchange rates necessary and indispensable precondition for creating
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FBIS-WEU-96-021
INTER-EUROPEAN AFFAIRS 3
“1 January 1996
jobs — albert insufficient on its own — 1s the reduction will make its proposals, as will the European Monetary
of the deficits. If deficits created jobs then we would Institute (EMI), on the basis of the results for 1996 and
certainly know about it' In fact, given the curren: levels 1997. Until that ume, Iet'’s get down to work and get
there would be no unemployment at all' Until the be- ready for st
ginning of the 1970's there was no budget deficit and no
[Bollaert} But you will not be able to stop the contro-
unemployment. Since the oil crisis we have had both.
versy.
So we have to fight both things.
[De Silguy] In all the current media hoo-hz I wonder if
[Boliaert} At « time of full employment cach European
there are not a few ultenor movves. On the one hand
country had iti own currency and the economy was
there are those who want the uumcetable to be pushed
doing very weil
back. They say: “Yes, the single currency is a good
[De Silguy] You are forgetting that one fundamental thing, but we will never make it on me...” But if you
thing has changed since then, namely we now have put things off then you would have to renegotiate the
free circulation of capital. That was as significant treaty. In reality, are they not trying to reopen the debate
economically as the collapse of the iron curtain was on Maastricht that was closed by the referendum of
politically. The Evropean economies are now much 1992”
more interdependent Then there are financial interests at stake. For companies
and ordinary citizens the introduction of the Euro will
;Bollaeri} To have a single currency we must first
save us 140 billion French francs [Fr] cach year with the
drastically reduce the budget deficits.
abolition of exchange costs in Europe. Of course, that
[De Stiguy} That criterion is a simple rule of good does not suit everyone... Finally, domestic politics could
management. First, it means we can free up savings: also come into play for governments and leaders. That
Some 40 percent of savings in Europe go toward is Not for me to say. However, | have heard expressions
financing the budget defictt. Then these savings can like conspiracy, maneuvers, and plot
instead be used to boost investment and consumption
[Bollaert] Why do you refuse to make the criteria more
Finally, this will create a climate of confidence leading
flexible within the limits set out in the weaty’
to miterest rate culs, increased investments, and the
creation of new jobs [De Silguy] Every time someone talks about making
things more flexible someone clse starts talking about
[Bollaert} Is that all that is needed to combat unemploy-
making things more ngid. The Treaty of Maastrich’ 1s
ment’
based on balance. This political balance was achieved
[De Silguy] No. We also need to implement structural after three years of segotiations. Any attempt to touch
policies, that is to say attack the causes of structural un- one of the clements in this balance would risk tipping
employment which represents two-thirds of all unem- the scales. Any debate on the interpretation of the
ployment in France. To do this | greatly believe in the criteria 1s dangerous and is simply not on the cards
need to reactivate social dialogue at every level, Euro-
{Bollaert| Is there any real room for mancuver’
pean, national, regional, sectorial, and at company level
We must work with both sides of industry and agree on [De Silguy] | do not think so. However, if you look
the following point: If increased flexibility on the labor at the road we sll have to go down to meet the
market means greater competitiveness for companics, convergence criteria, overall itis no further and no more
then the gains must be assigned as a priority to job cre- difficult than the path we have taken for the last two
years
ation
[Bollaert] How much will politics come into ut at the
[Bollaert} Mr. Gisc ard d’ Estaing believes that a “narrow
beginning of 199% when you are sclecting the countries
imerpretaion” of the Maastricht convergence criteria
capable of introducing the single currency”
could risk deflationary tendencies
[De Silguy] That decision will reside with the heads
[De Siiguy] The criteria were set out in the treaty. You
of state and government. So by definition u will
cannot change the rules half way through the game
be political. However, the treaty does impose certain
They have to be applied strictly, with nothing added
ohyecuve conditions that have to be respected. The
and nothing taken away. In any case, we do not have
to examune the transition to the Euro for another two Commussion will sec to that
years. It us therefore too carly to peer into the crystal [Bollacrt} Mr. Giscard d' Estaing is convinced that the
ball now in the hope of seeing what the situation will Euro will be launched on the scheduled date of |
he then. Ai the end of 1997 the European Commission January 1999. What do you think’
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FBIS-WEL -96-421
INTER-EUROPEAN AFFAIRS Ji January 1994
-
am certain it will be too’ There is a do better in other arcas thal atc even more sensitive and
great difference between microcosmuic agi‘avaindo nth e delcaic'
in-depth work being done by the competent bodies to
[Bollacrit] Philippe Seguin said recently he wanted to
the Euro. The whole legal arsenal will be
“save” the single currency by placing the policy ai the
ready by the end of the year. | should add that there
heart of the European project. What do you say to that?
is a fantastic dynamism in Europe among the economic
operators and the banks and they are scarcely affected
[De Silguy] | am delighted
by whal certain people might have to say...
[Boilaert}) If monetary union does come about how will
[Bollaert}] Are you referring to the CEO of the Societe
you determine rela‘ions between the countrnes thal we
Generale Bank?
im the union and those thal are not’
[De Silguy] kt does not matter who these people are, it
[De Silguy] There is n0 question of making the move
is wholly up to them. You only have to go to Frankfurt,
into Monctary union without first resolving this probiem
for example, to see the commitment of the banks and
We must avoid splitting Europe into two and thereby
insurance companies. The distribution sector is making
endangering the single currency. The finance munisters
an all-out <ffort. The Germans — although people say
will cxamune this issue in April on the basis of the
they are cautious — afe making active preparations
Commission and EMI tcports. We will have made
I can see the same efforts being made in most other
progress by the end of the year. | tink discussions
member statcs.
will revolve around the conditions for producing a new
[Bollaert}) So you are confident? and credible monetary sysiem making for a smooth
transition between the in’ countries and those that |
[De Silguy) I do believe that, unless there is some great
prefer to call the “pre-in” countries, that 1s to say those
economic or political disaster, France, Germany, and
countnes with a vocation to jon EMU
moEUs coutntri es will be readyt o adopt the Euro by the
end of 1997. Technicaliy-speaking everything will be [Bollaert] What about the others, the ones that may be
in order. Politically, the heads of state and government tempted to make competitive Jevaluations”
of the Fifteen, who have met three times since June,
cach time stressed their commitment to respecting the [De Silguy] You know, the countnes whose currencies
have depreciated the most have the highest rates of
tmetabie. I can therefore say quite calmly that we will
interest. As a result they are finding harder to
succeed.
finance investment. Economically speaking. devaluation
[Bollaert} What if we do not’ is always a bad thing because if means you have
[De Silguy] That would be a disaster that | do not grown poorer. Politically speaking it can be devastating
because a government that devalucs is a government
even want to consider. It would mean renegotiating
Maastricht; it would mean regression, since it would that has failed. | Go not think there is any risk from that
pom of view. On the contrary, | believe that the Euro
be harder for the single currency to operaic: it would
generate the worst possible conditions for enlargement will be a highly attractive proposition for all Euronean
to the cast. In short, it would mean diluting the EU into countrics
a vast free trade zone, and nobody wants that
EU: Retreat on Turkish Homan Rights Protested
[Bollacrt} At a time when we are secing a globalization
MS3101135396 London FINANCIAL TIMES
of the economy, do you think the European level is
im English 3] Jan 96 p 3
really al) that relevant?
[De Silguy} Of course. The United States has arvuud 20 [Report by Lionel Barber’ EU Retreat on Turkish
percent of world GDP while the dollar is involved in Rights |
SO to 60 perceofn trtad e. Clear'y there is an imbalance
[FBIS Transcribed Text) Brussels — EU member states
there and the Euro will rebalance things somewhat
have secretly watered Jown provisions on human nights
[Bollaert} Do you think that Gconomic and Monetary and democracy in Turkey which formed an intrinsx
Union [EMU] could be the ba’i s for a more iategrated part of a Ecu37Sm (315m pounds) aid package for the
Burope in other domains’ Ankara government
[De Silguy) If we fail to adopt the single currency, The retreat on human rights has provoked protests from
Burope will show that it is not capable of respecting its the European Parliament which understood that the
commitments. Monetary union is therefore a test of its conditions were linked to its approval last month of the
desire to make progress. If it fails then | dou it could EU customs union with Turkey. Senior Brussels civil
report may conta copynghted matenal Copying and dusemmation
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FBIS-WEUL-96-421
INTER-EUROPEAN AFFAIRS s
31 January 1996
servants a6 )=—s sr esentatives of the European Parhament to be an cxtremely rare occurrence. Any sumber of
were yesie: .y tying tc defuse the dispute over human qualificavons on human and democrats nghts could be
rights — the largest single problem in Turkey's relavons writics into the Customs Union and the financial co-
with Europe operalion arrangement. The Turkish government could
salely gnore them.” Council officials sand yestercs;
The dispute is part of a broader power-struggoivce r
the chavges in the teal were the legitimate prerogative
foreign policy between MEPs [Members of European
of member states, and that the Parliament was chicfly
Parliament) and the Council of Ministers represec ung
imeresicd winning more ~ wers im foreign policy
the 15 member states
specifically via the mght to be “consulted” before any
The initial Graft of the financial aid regulation — pul action by the Council
forward by the European Commussion and supported by
The officials pointed out that consultation with Paha-
the European Parliament — allowed the Council to take
ment could lead to a delay of up to two months, further
action in the case of human nights violavons in Turkey
cramping the Council's atulity to act decisively on EU
by a qualified majority only
foreign policy
The Council has since watered down the human rights
But Mr Falconer said Uist many MEPs had only agreed
language substanually and made retalalory measures
to support the customs union with Turkey last month
subject to the far tougher hurdle of a unanimous Council
on the understanding thal their human rights conceras
vote
could be accommodated in the text on financial ad
A second provision in the text states that “They (the
The Parliament approved the customs union by 43
measures) shall be adopted for a limited period, which
to 149, dropping carler threats to veto the accord
may be extended by a decision of the Council acung
because of concern about Turkey's commitment to
according to the same procedure.
human rights and democracy. Under the customs union.
Mr Alex Falconer, MEP for Mid Scotland and Fife, last Turkey became part of the single European market and
week wrote to the 15 EU forcign ministries in protest at adopted EU trade legislation and its Common external
the altered text, expressing outrage thal member states” tariff from January |
parliaments and citizens were being by-passed by the
Council
“How bad will things have to get before all member
states agree any action against Turkey’ It is likely
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FBIS-WEL-96-421
UNITED KINGDOM 3) January 1996
UK: Major, Hume Agree on Ulster Elections lewe ing the mccting he reassured Sinn Fein that the Gov-
crament did not want to sct up a Unionmstdomunaicd
MS$3101132096 London THE TIMES in English
31] Jan % p2 assemily
Sw Patnck' s concihatory tone, which contrasted with Mr
[Report by Nicholas Wood 29d Nicholas Watt: “Major
Major's forceful challenge to Sinn Fein last Wedscaday
and ldume Swike Posstrve Note on Ulster Electrons’ |
underlined the Government's dctermmation to take on
board nationalist conceras before drawing up any firm
(PBIS Transcribed Text] John Major appeared to be
proposals for clecthons
making headway last night in his efforts to pul the
Northern Wbeland peace process back on track. John The Northern ireland Secretary sad patties would be
Hume, leader of the Social Democratx and Labour clected having passed an ciectoral test of Commutment
Paty, [SDLP] emerged from 9) munutes of intensive lo a peaceful democralc process. Ministers envisaged
talks with the Prime Minister at Westminster to declare
that the clected Pody would sciect from is sumer
that they were working towards a common goal representatives for a negotiating body
Mr Hume's remarks and hu more relaxed manner were He imeisted thal the Government would not retract the
in stark contrast to bus demeanour last week, when proposal, having identihed as a means of creating
he denounced Mr Major's plan for an clected body in the necessary confidence to move the peace pracess
Northern ircland to break the Ocadiock over the IRA's forward
refusal to hegin Jisarmament Hefore all-party talks
UK: Talks Fall To Bridge Elections Divide
The nationalist leader had accused Mr Mapa of buy
110200114060 London PRESS ASSOCIATION
ing Unionist votes by sidcliming the Michell report's
in Fnelich 1219 GMT 40 Jan
“compromise” proposal of “"A decommusmonimng dur
ing rather than Defore all-party talks [By PA News correspondent lan Graham)
In a joint statement with Downing Sweet last night [PBIS Transcribed Text} Northern Ireland Secretary Si
Mr Hume sand that they bad cachanged wiews on their Painck Mayhew tned unsuccessfully today to convince
Sinn Fern present Gerry Adams that clecvonms m
“common wish for a comprehensive negotiated peace
scttiement’ and agreed to mect again soon. “There is Northern Ircland were the best way of Preaking the
a process under way whuch we are pursuing with the stalemate +s the peace process. But after talks at
Prime Minister,” he said Stormont [scat of former provincial government}, Mr
Adams emerged saying his party was still “implacably
ht is understoad that at the raceting Mr Major reaffirmed apposed to the wea and demanded the Prime Minister
hus intention tha’ the clected body should he a “passport retract the proposal and scrap the precondition for IRA
to talks” and was not on attempi to resurrect a Stormont- decommissioning hefore talks begin
style assembly dominated by Unionmts. ht would have a
Despite the apparent gulf still between them, Sw Patrick
finite life with no legislative, adnunistrative of cxecutive
said he had heen encouraged that Sinn Fein had wo
powers
quickly answered hus call for a meeting and said they
The Prime Minister is t© meet lan Paisley, leader of had listened intently to what he had said and he believed
the Democratic Unioniv's. and David Trumble, head of taken tt on board The Secretary of State said he had
the Ulster Unionists thn work. He is also expected to heen surprised by the basis of opposition capressed to
telephone John Bruton. the Insh Prome Minister the clechon plan and made tt clea the Government
Was fot Proposing any return to an old-style Stormont
Earlier yesterday Sor Patrick Mayhew, who was present
| wanted to make « perfectly clea thal was quite
a the mecting with Mr KNume, met the Sinn Fem the opposite of what the Government intended and
Presiert Gerry Adams a Sicrmont. Afterwards Mr envisaged
Adams, who Vel last nigtt for a meeting in the Unned
He said the Government was talking about clecthons to
States with Tomy Lake. National Security Adviser to
President Clinton, repeated his strong opposition te Mr the talks process. We dont envisage an assemly with
Major's proposed body, although he did not rule out legislative powers, adunistrative powers of caccutive
powers Parties would the clected having passed an
Parboipavon im elections
clectoral test of commeament to a peaceful democratx
The Northern Ireland Secretary sounded 4 more opt process Me sand the Government envisaged that the
mst mote, saying that he took encouragement from clected Pody itself would select from thew sumer
Senn Fein 's agroement to meet him af short notice Dur representatives to he on a negotiating huuly
repewt mey comtam copynghted maternal ( pving and dueemmatem
me protubtied evhow perme of the copynght ener