Representatives of the Ulster Democratic Party, which has withdrawn from the talks over recent UDA murders, yesterday met British government officials at Stormont to discuss readmission to the process.
The party spokesman, Mr David Adams, said they had sought assurances that the UDP, which is linked to the UDA, would be allowed re-enter the talks in six weeks.
He received no guarantees but was told readmission hinged on the UDA adhering to its reinstituted ceasefire.
Stormont officials told the UDP delegation the situation would be kept under careful review.
They said: "If over a period of weeks a complete, unequivocal and unqualified UFF [UDA covername] ceasefire were demonstrated, and established through word and deed to have been fully and continuously observed the governments would consider the possibility of the UDP rejoining the negotiations.
"The governments would welcome that prospect in such circumstances. It would be important to establish, by consistency of word and deed, a commitment to exclusively peaceful means."
Mr Adams said the officials were informed of the UDP's views of future cross-Border relationships, and expected those views to be passed on to the governments.
"We have a very vital role to play in this process," said Mr Adams.
