A senior member of the SDLP talks team has categorically ruled out discussion of a purely internal settlement for Northern Ireland in the multi-party negotiations.
Ms Brid Rodgers, chairwoman of the negotiating team, said the SDLP had "resolutely and consistently" opposed an internal settlement over the years. "It is clearly inconceivable that we would now contemplate entering into serious negotiations on the basis of an internalist approach.
"The sterile approach of the pre-SDLP years, the empty rhetoric, the violent approach, the territorial mind-set compounded the deep-seated distrust between nationalist and unionist. It was a recipe for continued conflict and continuation of the status quo.
"It is easy to forget that the analysis put forward and consistently promoted by us now forms the basis of policy for the British and Irish governments and has gained general acceptance even among our opponents.
"The comprehensive agenda for the present negotiations is based on that analysis. In a nutshell, we have argued that any arrangements which fail to take account equally and in a balanced way of the needs and aspirations of both nationalist and unionist will not work.
"The establishment of structures which take account of this reality is the only way by which the divisions between the people of Ireland can be healed and lasting peace achieved." The current negotiations presented an opportunity to bring about the necessary changes