PROPOSED BASIS FOR DISCUSSION OF COMMITTEE'S SECOND PROGRESS REPORT ON AGENDA ITEM 6, COVERING SUB-ITEMS 2 AND 3 (TERRORISM AND SECURITY COOPERATION AND ISSUES OF IDENTITY AND ALLEGIANCE)

2. Terrorism and Security Cooperation

All parties reiterated their total abhorrence of, and opposition to, all forms of terrorism from whatever source.

Attention was drawn to the enormous costs of terrorism to both the nationalist and unionist communities and to the two Governments.

The two Governments spoke of the high degree of cooperation that existed in relation to security matters. It was generally accepted that any new arrangements should build on and enhance the current cooperation, and that consideration should be given as to how an input from elected representatives in Northern Ireland might contribute to such cooperation. A number of delegations paid tribute to the work of the Garda and the RUC and praised the quality and independence of the Northern Ireland judiciary.

It was noted that the problem of terrorism had both a local and international dimension and that its effective control would require both Governments to maintain and to build upon the close security cooperation which already exists. It was also emphasised that effective arrangements for dealing with fugitive offenders, including extradition, were essential to achieving this objective.

Stress was placed on the need for measures designed to increase public confidence in the police and the administration of justice.

Concern was expressed by some delegations about the extent to which the nationalist community felt alienated from the system of justice in Northern Ireland and, in particular, the policing of that system. This manifested itself and was in turn exacerbated by the lack of indigenous policing, which was not limited to nationalist areas. This feeling of alienation was also evident among sections of the unionist community. It was agreed that any new arrangements should be such as to reduce the sense of alienation and increase public confidence in and support for policing and the administration of justice in Northern Ireland.

3. Issues of Allegiance and Identity

It was generally accepted that security measures alone would not overcome the problem of terrorism. Ultimately, this would be easier to achieve, in the context of agreed structural arrangements which would attract the support and allegiance, and earn the confidence of both the nationalist and unionist traditions. The Committee noted that the achievement of such arrangements was a key objective of the talks process and that progress had already been made towards this end in Strand 1. It was anticipated that the proposals parties would be tabling at the appropriate stage of the Strand 2 talks would enable further progress to be made.

It was made clear that, if new structures of government, including arrangements for consultation and cooperation with the Republic of Ireland, were to attract that allegiance of the nationalist tradition, they would need not only to protect the rights of the nationalist community and afford it appropriate representation in a Northern Ireland government but also to accommodate in some way the identification of that tradition with the people of the Republic of Ireland.

For the unionist tradition it was vital that new structures and arrangements were firmly premised on recognition of Northern Ireland's status as part of the United Kingdom.

The need was acknowledged for the creation in Northern Ireland of a polity which would attract support and respect for its laws from both traditions, while allowing each to retain its identification respectively with the people of the United Kingdom and of the Republic of Ireland. The Committee noted that ways to create such a polity would be explored under subsequent agenda items.

The Committee has still to discharge its remit fully and recommends that Plenary:

a. authorise the Committee to continue its work within the terms agreed on 2 September; and

b. request a final report to be prepared, if possible, by the afternoon of Wednesday, 23 September.

• Draft Second Progress Report on Agenda Item 6 (18-09-1992) (introduced on 1992-09-18 09:00:00 - CREATE - e950258) [This document]

• Draft Second Progress Report on Agenda Item 6 (18-09-1992) (introduced on 1992-09-18 09:00:00 - CREATE - e950258) [This document] [view current proposal at this moment]
  • Handwritten Amendments to Draft Committee Progress Report (introduced on 1992-09-18 09:00:00 - PROPOSE_DOCUMENT_AMENDMENT - e950265) [view current proposal at this moment]
    • None (introduced on 1992-09-18 09:00:00 - ADOPT_PROPOSAL - e950267) [view current proposal at this moment]