(25 May 1995) English/Nat
Britain's Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Patrick Mayhew Wednesday asked but failed to get a positive response from Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams on the progressive disarmament of the Irish Republican Army.
The two men met in Washington under the auspices of a US-sponsored conference aimed at promoting investment and economic recovery in Northern Ireland.
It was the highest-level meeting yet between representatives of the British government and the IRA's political wing.
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams was smiling but did not speak at a conference gala dinner hosted by the Americans.
But his meeting with Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Patrick Mayhew was at the forefront of his mind.
It was the first time a Sinn Fein official formally met a British cabinet minister for more than 25 years.
Such was the sensitivity surrounding the talks that the encounter itself was kept behind closed doors.
At the preceding dinner, a note of hope for Northern Ireland was struck by the US Vice-President.
SOUNDBITE:
"The work before you will be daunting indeed, but I know with the skills and resources represented in this room, the dream of prosperity in Northern Ireland will again become an enduring reality. Tonight we gather to take a new step towards peace.
SUPER CAPTION: Al Gore - US Vice-President
The U-S is attempting to keep the peace using financial incentive rather than military coercion.
SOUNDBITE:
"That what the United States can best do to be helpful to them, is to encourage trade with and investment in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, because on economic growth there is no disagreement."
SUPER CAPTION: George Mitchell - Former senator and presidential advisor on Northern Ireland
But after his talks with Adams, Sir Patrick sounded a less optimistic tone - saying he had failed to receive the message he wanted to hear from the Sinn Fein leader.
He said he had sought a positive response from Adams on the issue of the decommissioning of IRA weapons but said he had not received one.
Adams was more upbeat, saying the meeting had been frank and friendly and a positive exchange of views.
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