Monitor

All the News of the World Irish comment on the peace process as the next deadline appraches

THERE IS a week to go before Blair's firm deadline for breakthrough in Northern Ireland. There is no reason why accommodation cannot be reached between parties which have signed up to the agreement. It is time the politicians who endorsed the deal began to pull in the same direction. This means addressing decommissioning and the establishment of a Stormont executive as a matter of urgency. We remain within touching distance of an outcome which will implement all aspects of that historic settlement and move us all into a new era.

Irish News

OPTIONS ARE running out for those who negotiated the Belfast Agreement. The onus is on Trimble to cut a deal to underpin peace and further politics. If this proves impossible, it is time for Blair to assert his position and power to effect change, demonstrated so clearly in the Balkans in recent weeks. He should be given direction and encouragement from Dublin, not ambiguity and hesitancy.

Sunday Business Post

If agreement cannot be reached, the chances of a breakthrough look remote. Tensions accompanying the anti-Agreement Long March can only add to the difficulties. Blair will employ all his skills, together with Ahern and Clinton, but he already knows that unless there is a basis of trust even the best possible arrangements which these are will fail. The deadline may pass, but the process continues.

Belfast Telegraph

SINN FeIN says Mr Trimble might be surprised about how willing it might be to effect a compromise within the [terms] of the agreement. There is perhaps more understanding for his position than even Mr Trimble himself might guess.

If that proves impossible, however, it will not be giving up on the process, merely shifting to a different lane and seeking to get the two governments committed to implementing all other aspects of the agreement that 71 per cent of the people voted for just over a year ago in order to save the process.

The Irish Times, Dublin