Both the SDLP and Sinn Fein welcomed Dr Mo Mowlam's decision to invite Sinn Fein to the negotiating table. The SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, said: "What we now must do is get down to creating a new future for all sections of our people and a future that will have to have the allegiance of all sections of our people. Knowing that is a challenge to all parties to come to the table."
In relation to the unionist parties, he asked: "What's their alternative? How do they propose to achieve lasting agreement in our community if they are going to reject the current process?
"There is no shadow of a gun hanging over anyone," Mr Hume said. "Sinn Fein can only come to the table if, before they come, they do exactly as the rest of us have done and that is totally and absolutely commit themselves to the Mitchell principles, which are principles of complete non-violence, peaceful and democratic methods."
The SDLP deputy leader, Mr Seamus Mallon, said: "For the first time since partition there is the opportunity for all strands of political opinion on this island to come together as part of the same process.
"Those of us who have stood firm against violence over the past 25 years have been proved right. The only way in which agreement can be reached on the government of this island is through the political process," he said.
Sinn Fein's chief negotiator, Mr Martin McGuinness, described yesterday's decision as "historic".
He said: "We will enter the negotiations seeking fundamental constitutional and political change, equality for all our citizens and the complete demilitarisation of the situation. Clearly we have an awesome task before us."
He asked the Ulster Unionist Party leader, Mr David Trimble, to listen to his grassroots, who wanted him at the negotiating table on September 15th. He also urged the DUP and the UK Unionists to join the talks.
"Mo Mowlam said that people would have to change. I was very keenly interested when she said that she recognised that the British government also has to change. I think that is significant and I think it is important," said Mr McGuinness.