AS the multi-party political talks at Stormont adjourned for Christmas yesterday, the independent chairman, former Senator George Mitchell, signalled that he may try to break the deadlock on the decommissioning issue when they reconvene in January.
In spite of some recent movement by the UUP, SDLP and Alliance Party towards achieving a joint position on decommissioning, the first seven months of talks have ended without agreement on this issue.
In an adjournment statement, issued publicly by the three independent chairmen, the first hint came that they might try to impose a solution, if unanimity could not be achieved.
The statement noted that there had been "recent indications of some convergence on certain issues". In the light of this, it said, "we will explore whether there is a basis for exercising the authority conferred on us by the rules of procedure, in circumstances where there is no unanimity on an issue, to put forward a solution we believe will secure agreement on the handling of decommissioning.
The plenary talks will not reconvene until January 27th, but the statement suggested that between January 13th and 27th all of the parties should participate in meetings among themselves and with the chairmen.
It expressed the chairmen's conviction that "with renewed determination and effort by all of the participants", substantial progress could be made on the decommissioning issue "and also on the ultimate issue of an agreed settlement".
The independent chairmen again condemned "the use or threat of violence to resolve political differences". They said they encouraged "all in Northern Ireland to renounce the use of violence and to join in meaningful and inclusive democratic dialogue".
In interviews after the adjournment, a UUP negotiator, Mr Jeffrey Donaldson, confirmed that some progress had been made on the decommissioning issue in the bilateral contacts. But there were still some differences between the UUP and the SDLP "on the modalities", and between the UUP and the British government on conditions for Sinn Fein entry.
He said unionists had been "kept in the dark" about the recent Hume-Adams process, and that had not helped to establish trust and confidence.
Mr Mark Durkan, of the SDLP's negotiating team, said they were frustrated by the lack of progress, but were not giving up. He was hopeful that agreement could be found on decommissioning after the Christmas break.
The deputy leader of the Alliance Party, Mr Seamus Close, called on political leaders to demonstrate "the necessary guts and leadership" to negotiate an agreement.
He said: "It is regrettable that six months have effectively been squandered. Fear, mistrust and suspicion have dogged these talks and prevented any real movement.
"I can understand that fear, but it does not justify the amount of time people have spent looking over their shoulders and failing to concentrate on the real purpose of the negotiations."
Senator Mitchell and his co chairmen will be returning to their respective home countries for the Christmas recess.
The tenor of the statement from the Office of the Independent Chairmen conveyed Senator Mitchell's intention to develop new initiatives on his return.