The full statement issued by the Deputy First Minister, Mr Seamus Mallon, stated:
The implementation of the Agreement is vital for the future of our society. There has been an impasse in recent months, as you all know.
I have done everything I can in recent months to advance the Agreement.
Tony Blair spent last night with all concerned in an effort to break the log-jam. It was an intervention I very much appreciated.
For my part I reached agreement with the Prime Minister on the following points: on North/South implementation bodies there will be a trade and business development body; a tourism body; a strategic transport body; an EU programmes body. There will be 10 Departments with a stand-alone Department of Finance and Personnel.
As far as I am concerned my negotiations with the Prime Minister and through him, with the other parties, have been completed on this basis.
That is the deal that has been done and I stand by it.
It is now for the other parties to confirm their participation in the agreement brokered by the Prime Minister.