THE British Foreign Secretary and the US Administration have agreed that there should be no "counterproductive or alternative initiative" to the existing Northern Ireland peace process.
There was surprise at Mr Robin Cook's press conference in the British Embassy here when he raised the idea of a separate initiative. He said that while the US has a "very real desire to find a solution in Northern Ireland", there was "also a recognition that if the objective is to achieve success in the peace talks then there should not be any counterproductive or alternative initiative".
He continued that he was "not aware of any such initiative being proposed by the Administration. On the contrary, they wish well the peace talks process taking place at the present time.
"We don't want, at the present time, another initiative. On the other hand, we don't want the US to stand back."
The British Foreign Secretary said: "We believe that the most important role the US can play, both its Administration and its people, is to back these talks."
This would help "ensure that all parties in Northern Ireland do play a part in these talks and work to make them a success."
Mr Cook was answering questions following his meetings with the US Secretary of State, Ms Madeleine Albright, and Senator Jesse Helms, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Mr Cook praised the role of former US Senator George Mitchell as chairman of the peace talks, which resume on June 3rd. He repeated the condition laid down by the Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, that Sinn Fein could take part in the peace talks only if there is "a credible ceasefire".
The co chairmen of the Congressional Ad Hoc Committee for Irish affairs have asked President Clinton to attach top priority to the Irish peace process when he meets Mr Blair in London later this month. They said that the result of the British election can be a "turning point in the quest for peace in Ireland".
The chairmen called on the President "to continue the US role of honest broker in the peace process. We believe that the President can provide the leadership needed to encourage an IRA ceasefire and the immediate start of all party, talks free of any preconditions".