SECOND PROGRESS REPORT ON AGENDA ITEM 6, COVERING SUB-ITEMS 2 AND 3 (TERRORISM AND SECURITY COOPERATION AND ISSUES OF IDENTITY AND ALLEGIANCE)

Sub-item 2: Terrorism and cooperation on security matters

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 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 between them. It was emphasised that effective arrangements for dealing with fugitive offenders, including extradition arrangements, were essential to achieving this objective.

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. The feeling of alienation was also evident amongst sections of the unionist community. It was agreed that any new arrangements should be such as to reduce that sense of alienation and increase public confidence in and support for policing and the administration of justice in Northern Ireland.

Sub-item 3: The issues of identity in Northern Ireland and the consequent problems of allegiance

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 the 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 on behalf of the nationalist community that, if new structural arrangements in Northern Ireland and between North and South were to attract the allegiance of the nationalist tradition, they would need not only to protect the rights of the nationalist community and afford it appropriate representation within those structures but also to accommodate the identity of that community with the people in the rest of Ireland.

It was made clear on behalf of the unionist community that it was vital that new structures and arrangements were firmly premised on the recognition of Northern Ireland's status as part of the United Kingdom.

Discussions began on sub-item 4 ("Constitutional matters requiring consideration both consequent upon the foregoing and generally"), with each delegation setting out its position.

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 including Agenda Items 7, 8 and 9; and

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

The attachment to this report is annexed at the request of the UDUP delegation.

18 September 1992

[Annex A

ULSTER DEMOCRATIC UNIONIST POSITION

18 September, 92

The U.D.U.P. continues to reserve its position as far as all the proceedings of this committee are concerned since its negotiators withdrew from the table. The U.D.U.P. note that consideration of these fundamental issues has not led to any criticism of the deplorable security policies presently employed nor the adoption of any principles placing a duty upon delegations to encourage support for the Crown forces in Northern Ireland and urge recruitment to those forces.

We further note that the committee's interpretation of Agenda item 6 was to dilute it to a consideration of possible principles rather than substantive negotiation.]

• Second Progress Report on Agenda Item 6, Covering Sub-Items 2 and 3 (18-09-1992) (introduced on 1992-09-21 10:30:00 - CREATE_FROM - e950275) [This document] [view current proposal at this moment]
  • None (introduced on 1992-09-21 10:30:00 - DEBATE_PROPOSAL - e950282) [view current proposal at this moment]
  • None (introduced on 1992-09-21 10:30:00 - DEBATE_PROPOSAL - e950281) [view current proposal at this moment]
  • None (introduced on 1992-09-21 10:30:00 - ADOPT_PROPOSAL - e950276) [view current proposal at this moment]