Historic Meeting Between Irish Prime Minister and Sinn Fein Leader Spark Controversy

The Irish Prime Minister Albert Reynolds, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, and John Hume, leader of Ulster's main nationalist party, met for the first time on Tuesday to discuss the IRA cease-fire. The meeting came six days after the Irish Republican Army announced a 'complete cessation of military operations.' The trio issued a joint statement emphasizing their commitment to democratic and peaceful methods of resolving their problems.

Key Takeaways:

• The meeting between Reynolds, Adams, and Hume was historic, marking a new era in the pursuit of a lasting peace in Northern Ireland.
• The Irish government considers the IRA cease-fire to be permanent, in line with the demands made in the Downing Street Declaration.
• Reynolds defended his decision to hold talks with Adams, stating that there was an obligation to solidify the cease-fire and bring it forward.
• Adams hailed the meeting as a historic occasion, stressing the need to put an end to the ancient conflict and build a lasting peace.
• Britain has questioned the permanence of the IRA cease-fire, with Prime Minister John Major stating that it does not confirm whether the cease-fire is 'permanent.'
• Ulster unionists have reacted furiously to Adams' meeting with Reynolds, accusing him of parting from the terms of the Downing Street Declaration.
• The Ulster Volunteer Force and the Ulster Defense Association, two main loyalist protestant paramilitary groups, are scheduled to meet to consider their response to the IRA cease-fire.
• The meeting has sparked controversy, with critics accusing Reynolds of moving too quickly to engage with Sinn Fein.

Statistics:

• The IRA cease-fire is considered permanent by the Irish government.
• The Downing Street Declaration was issued on December 15.
• The meeting between Reynolds, Adams, and Hume was held on Tuesday (no specific date mentioned in the original text).
• Six days was the timeframe between the IRA's announcement of a complete cessation of military operations and the meeting.
• The Ulster Volunteer Force and the Ulster Defense Association are scheduled to meet to consider their response to the IRA cease-fire.

Sources:

• "RIC CLARK Belfast, Northern Ireland, Sept. 6" is the source of the original article.
• No additional sources are mentioned in the original text.