Statement on behalf of Ms. Liz O'Donnell T.D.,Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs
Ms. Liz O'Donnell T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Mo Mowlam, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, today met Senator George Mitchell at Castle Buildings, Stormont.
They reviewed the progress of the current review of the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and looked ahead to the next stages.
The Minister and the Secretary of State also met with General John de Chastelain and his colleagues on the Independent Commission on Decommissioning.
Speaking afterwards, Minister O'Donnell said: "Senator Mitchell is doing an outstanding job. He is approaching the issues involved in a very sensitive, balanced and systematic way".
Continuing, the Minister added: "I am still convinced that, even though it won't be easy, there is a real chance of a breakthrough. The critical element which has been missing so far in the process is mutual trust. The face-to-face meetings which the parties are now having, facilitated by George Mitchell, offer them a fresh opportunity to build trust. It is essential that they seize that opportunity."
