The following is the full text of the statement by the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam: announcing that she has decided to invite Sinn Fein to enter the talks process:
I have reached this decision after careful consideration of all the circumstances, following the announcement on July 19th of an unequivocal restoration of the ceasefire of August 1994 by the IRA.
In reaching it I have considered carefully all of the evidence available to me about the restoration of the IRA ceasefire and about Sinn Fein's commitment to exclusively peaceful methods and their wish to abide by the democratic process.
Among other things I have:
Reviewed the position on the ground with the Chief Constable, the GOC and my other security advisers;
Following an initial preparatory meeting, met Sinn Fein face to face myself;
Consulted the Irish Government, as my predecessor indicated would be done during the second reading of the Bill;
And observed over this period a consistent pattern in word and deed;
Noted the absence of IRA activity on the ground.
Against the background of the legislation [setting up the talks], I have now decided that Sinn Fein meets the requirements. I will accordingly invite its nominating representative to nominate a team to participate in the negotiations. I know that the road ahead will not be easy. There will be differing views around the table.
However, I trust that there will now be a significant step forward when the substantive talks begin on September 15th and that all participating parties will commit themselves to negotiate a settlement based on consent. I would like to reiterate the words of Tony Blair on his first visit to Northern Ireland as Prime Minister in May last:
"I am convinced that the time is right finally to put the past behind us and meet the deep thirst of the people of Northern Ireland for peace, normality and prosperity."