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At its meeting this morning, 16-01-98, the Church and Government committee of the Presbyterian Church welcomed the 'Propositions on Heads of Agreement' document with the hope that 'it will provide an effective basis for constructive negotiations with the aim of arriving at a mutually acceptable political accommodation.'
The committee also condemned the recent murders and stated that it was ' appalled that it has proved possible for one paramilitary group to murder a prisoner from another paramilitary group within the confines of the Maze prison.'
In recognising the constructive support of prisoners in their support for the ceasefires and political negotiation the committee was keen to point out that 'it ought not to be the case that prisoners should hold the power of veto over the direction and progress of political negotiations.'
The resolutions passed the committee were as follows:
1. The Church and Government Committee welcomes the initiative taken by the British and Irish Governments in issuing 'Propositions on Heads of Agreement.
2. The Committee hopes that it will provide an effective basis for constructive negotiations with the aim of arriving at a mutually acceptable political accommodation.
3. The Committee condemns the recent murders of Billy Wright, Seamus Dillon, Eddie Trainor and Terry Enright and extends its sympathy to their families.
4. The Committee is appalled that it has proved possible for one paramilitary group to murder a prisoner from another paramilitary group within the confines of the Maze prison.
5. While some prisoners have been helpfully constructive in their support for the ceasefires and for political negotiation, it ought not to be the case that prisoners should hold the power of veto over the direction and progress of political negotiations.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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