SDLP condemns ‘uneven’ peace measures

The British government was tonight accused by the SDLP of adopting a two-speed approach to the last peace process deal.

The British government was tonight accused by the SDLP of adopting a two-speed approach to the last peace process deal.

After meeting Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid to review progress in the peace process, the leadership of the SDLP were concerned about "uneven progress in the implementation of the Weston Park package" which was agreed last summer.

SDLP leader Mr Mark Durkan, who was joined at the meeting by deputy leader Ms Brid Rodgers claimed the British government was eager to proceed with an amnesty for those ‘on the run' to satisfy political interests.

"At the same time, progress on cases such as those of Rosemary Nelson, Patrick Finucane and Robert Hamill has been too slow," he said.

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"The British and Irish governments have still not provided the necessary reassurances regarding their proposals to appoint an international judge to inquire into these cases.

"This is unacceptable given how long the families of these victims have already waited for the truth."

The meeting took place as Assembly members clashed at Stormont over the amnesty for on-the-run prisoners who have not served sentences for offences committed before the signing of the Belfast Agreement.

A bid by the Alliance Party to link the amnesty with the return of people exiled by loyalist and republican paramilitaries failed.

Republicans were accused during the debate by the SDLP's Mr Alban Maginness of "rank hypocrisy" in seeking to secure the freedom of republican suspects while the IRA continued to exile people from Northern Ireland.

PA