Sir, - Mr R.I. Cfarke, the British Charge d'Affaires (January 14th), put his finger on the reason for the failure of the Peace Process to date.
The New Framework Document of February 1995, which he seems to see as promoting peace, in fact negatised the opportunity for peace inherent in the Joint Declaration of December 1993. It did so by putting forward a proposed solution prior to negotiation and contrary to the terms of the Joint Declaration, which brought about the ceasefire in the first place.
By moving the goalposts in this way, the vital issue of self-determination, inclusive of a united Ireland, is effectively removed from the peace agenda. In the Declaration, Mr Major, on behalf of the British government, stated that "it is for the people of the island of Ireland alone, by agreement between the two parts respectively, to exercise their right of self-determination on the basis of consent, freely and concurrently given, North and South, to bring about a united Ireland, if that is their wish."
Mr Major went on to reaffirm that his government, as a binding obligation, would "for their part, introduce the necessary legislation to give effect to this, or equality to any measure of agreement on future relationships in Ireland, which the people living in Ireland may themselves freely so determine, without external impediment.
Perhaps Mr Clarke would confirm that Britain has not changed its ground on the Irish dimension put forward by Mr Major in the Joint Declaration, the only formally agreed and authoritative peace document, recognised as such by all parties to the Peace Process. - Yours, etc.,
7 Lombard Court, Dublin 8.