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The Presbyterian 'Church and Government Committee' has encouraged Unionists to continue in the talks process and this would be best done by engaging others including Sinn Fein in face to face negotiation.
The Committee was reiterating a resolution passed earlier this year by the Presbyterian General Assembly 'that the British and Irish Governments and all elected parties enter into urgent and serious talks with one another with a view to reaching a mutually acceptable political accommodation.'
However in a second resolution passed by the Committee they are clear that the talks must not in any way be influenced by violence. 'The political negotiations must not be either driven in any particular direction nor impeded from reaching an acceptable political accommodation by threats of violence or civil disorder.'
"In our talks with the Unionist Party we expressed these views directly to them," explained Presbyterian Moderator Dr Sam Hutchinson, "but we recognise that this is a very difficult decision for them.
"A major concern of the Church is pastoral care for the victims of violence and the many, many people that are still hurting directly because of terrorism. One of the best ways to convey those feelings of hurt and ensuring that they are heard and understood is to do it face to face.
"The biggest need is for the building of trust between all those involved. For that reason we consider direct communication vital and for all opinions to be represented in the talks process."
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