15 November 2000

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UUP seeking to deflect attention

Sinn Fein Chief Whip and West Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has accused UUP Minister Reg Empey of `seeking to deflect attention from the fact that the UUP have set the political process on a course for collapse'.  His comments come after Mr. Empey described Sinn Fein's imminent legal challenge as `a stunt' and accused republicans of failings to live up to their obligations.

Mr. Maskey said:

``Reg Empey is attempting to deflect attention from the political reality that the UUP have set the political process on a course for collapse.  They have made demands of every other party to the Agreement and have discriminated against Sinn Fein Ministers and the Sinn Fein electorate.  People will see through Reg Empey's remarks.

``Instead of attacking other parties for failing to fulfil their commitments under the Agreement, Mr. Empey and his party would be better served defending the Agreement which they claim to support.''ENDS

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