22nd November 1999

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Mandelson's default scenario outside Agreement - Martin McGuinness MP

Sinn Fein chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP, responding to Peter Mandelson's speech in the British House of Commons today, said:

``The Good Friday Agreement is clear on the establishment of the political institutions and mechanisms to address all other issues.

``There is no default mechanism in the Good Friday Agreement. The default scenario presented today by the British Government is clearly outside the terms of the Agreement. Sinn Fein is opposed to any such mechanism. For 18 months the Good Friday Agreement was in default and no sanctions were imposed.

``Many republicans and nationalists will be concerned at any departure from the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

``Sinn Fein has never defaulted from the terms of the Good Friday Agreement; Sinn Fein has never defaulted on any of our commitments under the Agreement.''

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