The positive pronouncement on paramilitary weapons by Gen de Chastelain of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning has given a fair wind to the North/South Ministerial Council, which holds its inaugural meeting in Armagh next Monday. As the political parties rush to implement the Belfast Agreement, the paramilitary organisations must play their part. In that regard, Gen de Chastelain noted that, while a timetable for decommissioning was best left to the paramilitary groups, the commission was prepared, if necessary, to state that decommissioning was to start within a specified period. He will make a further report on progress in January.
One of the key institutions envisaged by the Belfast Agreement is the North/South Ministerial Council. For the first time, a formal, indigenous political framework for the encouragement and advancement of co-operation between both parts of this island will operate. The development echoes unrealised proposals for a Council of Ireland which were first advanced under the Government of Ireland Act of 1920 and later under the Sunningdale Agreement. Political attitudes towards the new body vary significantly, with unionists regarding it as an exercise in good neighbourliness while some nationalists and republicans see it as a step towards the integration of the island. What is irrefutable, however, is that political, economic and social relations which have been deep-frozen since the establishment of this State will thaw even further under this new dispensation.
The importance the Government attaches to the North/South Ministerial Council is reflected by the decision of all Cabinet members to travel to Armagh. The same holds true for the Northern Ireland Executive and all ministers, with the exception of representatives from the Democratic Unionist Party, will attend the inaugural meeting. Apart from the pomp and ceremony of this hugely symbolic gathering, a deal of practical work will also be undertaken.
The Ministerial Council will exchange information and co-operate on matters of mutual interest that could generate cross-Border or all-island benefits. Decisions will be by agreement and each side will remain accountable to the Northern Assembly and the Oireachtas, respectively. Six implementation bodies will be established to deal with inland waterways, food safety, trade and business development, special EU programmes, languages and aquaculture and marine matters. Co-operation between existing structures will also take place in relation to transport, education, health, agriculture, environment and tourism. The council will meet twice a year in "plenary format" with the Taoiseach and the North's First Minister in attendance. Other meetings at appropriate ministerial level will be on a regular and frequent basis.
A great deal of work, at both official and political level, has gone into preparing for the event and the inaugural meeting is expected to pass off smoothly. The location, in the historic city of Armagh will have a special resonance for nationalists. But people should look to the future instead of the past. The Belfast Agreement was designed to heal old wounds and minimise ancient antagonisms. It is based on the principles of political consent, of dual nationality, power-sharing and parity of esteem. It is a generous and creative document that offers benefits to all. But such advances, in terms of understanding, accommodation and economic success, will not come of their own accord. They will emerge only as the products of dedication and hard work. That is why the politicians and public servants who assemble in Armagh next Monday deserve the best wishes of all democrats on this island.