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Writing Peace: The National Archives of the UK (TNA)

Enclosure: Draft Opening Statement for John Major for the Joint Press Conference on 4 December 1991

Sunday, 01 December 1991

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Draft text of the opening statement for John Major for the joint press conference of 4 December 1991.

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PRIME MINISTER'S TALKS WITH MR HAUGHEY IN DUBLIN ON 4 DECEMBER

PRESS CONFERENCE: BRIEFING FOR THE PRIME MINISTER

Draft Opening Statement for the Prime Minister

The Taoiseach and I have had a very valuable discussion. We have exchanged views on current issues in the European community, on other international issues, and on the Anglo-Irish relationship.

On the EC, the Taoiseach and I have discussed the position on economic and monetary union and political union and the issues likely to arise at the European Council in Maastricht on 9-10 December, which we will both be attending.

The Taoiseach and I have again discussed important aspects of the unique relationship between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Following on from our meetings in London and Luxembourg in the summer we have again stressed the great value of close co-operation across the totality of relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The Taoiseach and I affirm once again our unreserved condemnation of recent terrorist violence, including the tit-for-tat killings by both republican and loyalist terrorists. Our joint message to the terrorists is simple: their campaigns are futile and we are determined that those who commit terrorist crime should be brought to justice.

The Taoiseach and I agreed to examine further measures to enhance cross-border security co-operation. We also reiterated the importance which we attach to the arrangements for ensuring that fugitive offenders are brought to justice.

The Taoiseach and I welcomes the valuable and constructive political talks which took place in Northern Ireland earlier in the year. We reaffirmed the commitment of both Governments to do all we could to help with the early launch of fresh talks.