The Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams, has urged the Ulster Unionist leader, Mr David Trimble, to play a full role in the talks. He said if the UUP refused to do so, the two governments had a duty to move forward with the process.
Mr Adams was speaking at a republican rally outside Belfast City Hall yesterday afternoon. He said he wanted to see all the parties to the conflict gathered around the negotiating table.
Around 2,000 people attended the rally, which was organised by the republican prisoners' group, Saoirse. The Sinn Fein negotiator, Mr Gerry Kelly, demanded the immediate release of all paramilitary prisoners.