SECRETARY OF STATE CONDEMNS MARKETHILL BOMB ATTACK

The Secretary of State, Dr Marjorie Mowlam, has pledged that those who

carried out today's bomb attack on Markethill police station, Co Armagh,

will be brought to justice.

Speaking from the talks building at Stormont, Dr Mowlam also vowed that

the negotiations would not be deflected by violence.

She said: "I am outraged at this bombing in Markethill today.

"At a time when almost everyone is working hard to try and get talks

underway, which could ensure a peaceful future for everyone, we still

have sinister people who are prepared to engage in this type of

pointless terrorism.

"This attack may well have been a deliberate attempt to sabotage the

talks process. We must not let it succeed. Thank goodness no one was

seriously injured.

"It is now time for all those who wish to see a peaceful future to

redouble their efforts to get the talks going. Everyone who has

subscribed to the Mitchell Principles is committed to oppose any effort

to use force to influence the negotiations.

"I have said before that we will not drop our guard and security will be

carried out at an appropriate level.

"It is too early yet to say who carried out this attack, but those

responsible will be pursued and brought to account for their actions."Top