10th April 2003

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Response to Downing Street press conference

Responding to the comments of the Taoiseach and the Prime Minister in Downing Street this evening, Sinn Fein Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin MLA said,

`` On the 5th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, one thing is beyond dispute, the Agreement has not been implemented in full.

`` The two governments should now tell us how they intend to implement the Agreement.

`` The Taoiseach and Prime Minister have spoken about clarity and certainty. They should publish the Joint Declaration immediately to ensure that there is clarity and certainty on the two governments' position. This would allow everyone to make their own judgements on this.

`` Sinn Fein has made clear that critical issues remain. These include;

• A timeframe for the transfer of power on policing and justice,
• The suspension of the institutions
• The absence of any clear commitment from the Ulster Unionist Party that it will work the institutions in a sustainable way; and
• The attempt to introduce sanctions against Sinn Fein, which are clearly outside the terms of the Agreement.

`` These issues need to be addressed consistent with the terms of the Good Friday Agreement''.

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Tel: +353-1-8726100 and +353-1-8726839   ·   Fax +353-1-8733074
E-mail: sfpress@eircom.net   ·   Website: http://www.sinnfein.org

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