Northern Ireland Peace Effort Shows Significant Progress

Belfast's residents are witnessing a remarkable shift as British troops prepare to stop patrolling the area, and paramilitary prisoners face potential release. This significant progress in the peace effort has been facilitated by private talks between David Trimble, the head of the Protestant Unionist Party, and Gerry Adams, the political leader of the Irish Republican Army. The talks, focusing on disarmament and the demilitarization of the province, indicate a heightened level of cooperation between the two groups.

Key Takeaways:

• British troops will stop patrolling the Belfast area this weekend, marking a significant reduction in their military presence.
• The withdrawal of troops is a concession to Sinn Fein's demands for demilitarization, a key step in the Northern Ireland peace effort.
• David Trimble and Gerry Adams held private talks for the first time, focusing on the timing of disarmament by the IRA.
• As many as 12 paramilitary prisoners, Catholic and Protestant, will likely be released in the next few days before the expiration of their terms.
• Ronnie Flanagan, the police chief, announced that a reduced British military presence on the streets is due to the "currently reduced terrorist threat."
• The early release of prisoners is a principal demand of both Catholic and Protestant groups.
• A reduced British military presence on the streets is seen as a significant step towards demilitarization.
• The potential return of British troops to the mainland was mentioned by Ronnie Flanagan, who stated it was a "distinct possibility."

Statistics:

• 17,500 British troops are currently stationed in the predominantly Protestant British province.
• The withdrawal of British troops will mean no more young soldiers patrolling the streets in full combat uniform wielding automatic rifles.
• The talks between Trimble and Adams lasted 45 minutes.
• 12 paramilitary prisoners will likely be released in the next few days.
• 45 military personnel were not specified

Sources:

• The New York Times News Service
• Belfast News Letter
• BBC News