TACTICS FOR NEGOTIATIONS AND CONFLICT
RESOLUTION (A CASE STUDY OF NORTHERN IRELAND)

BY SANA SIDDIQUI

HISTORY
Northern Ireland, has had a turbulent history full of conflict, discrimination and war. The Island of Ireland is divided into two territories the Independent Republic Of Ireland and the Province Of Northern Ireland, which is the part of the United Kingdom. When the Republic Of Ireland separated from British rule in 1948,they formally claimed sovereignty over the countries of N.I. During 1950's and 1960's the two govt. worked well together forming closer relations and improving economic conditions but their was a rift in N.I that threatened their hopes of stability. Politically the Protestants support the Unionist party which works with Britain. The Catholics population supports the Nationalist party who plate form more involved with the Irish Republic. Two hostile camps eventually broke out, with Protestants terrorist group and the Irish Republican Army (IRA) supporting the Catholic. The Catholics stated that they were under represented in parliament, and their needs were overshadowed by the needs of Protestants. Throughout the1970-1980 the people of N.I lived in land tore by the destruction of ratios, bombing and terrorist activities. There were several ceasefires between the two sides, but eventually the violence begins again. In 1983 the British and Irish governments. developed the Anglo-Irish Accord, the accord promised Irish recognition of British rule in N.I, for British recognition. The accord also formed a collation between Protestant and Catholics group, it hopes to unite the state affairs. This led both the Protestant militia and IRA to call a ceasefire in 1994.The ceasefire was retained again in 1995,and formal talks begin between Irish Republic, Britain all Northern Irish parties and former senator George Mitchell.

TACTICS FOR NEGOTIATIONS AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
BY GEORGE MITCHELL
The two sides were unbending in their positions and many feared that peace would not develop from these talks, which began with the ceasefire of1995. If, neither side was willing to an agreement could never be reached. Nothing this problem, the two sides appointed U.S senator George Mitchell, to offer an impartial third opinion on the situation. Mitchell was able to use his skills of comprise, diplomacy and persuasion to satisfy the needs of both sides of the debate. Not only were the needs of the two camps met as well. For the first time the entire island was polled, with well over the majority of both sides supporting the decision, the agreement called for the recognition of the rights of the people of N.I to either remain with British Empire, or to separate, and join the Republic of Ireland. It also stated that island of Ireland would have more open policies to one another and begins to cooperate more both politically and economically. One of the most important factors of the accords was the agreement to begin disarmament, and increasing tension with N.I, both sides saw that the peace process was falling a part. In sep1999, they again called Mitchell back. This time he developed more then a treaty, he developed a plan to try to move the process of peace forward with Mitchell adaptations N.I gained recognition from the republic of ire land more independence from Britain and a solid plan to develop place in their country.

CURRENT SITUATION
Since Senator Mitchell conducted his review many believed that the people of Northern Ireland may indeed have peace. This belief however, has not been achieved. Once Mitchell’s accord has been passed by the assembly in Northern Ireland formed a united government. The IRA made a public statement that they would start disarming, by using an International mediator.
CONCLUSION
Without the mediation of George Mitchell the peace process would have never begun. Though his use of diplomacy and compromise the two hostile sides of British Loyalist and Irish Nationalist were able to reach an agreement. Although the implementation of Mitchell’s agreement had not been as successful, even after his review, the point still remains that without his skills of mediation and negotiations the situation in Northern Ireland could be far worst and the idea of peace farther out of reach.
And also it proves that “if, there is an interest of big powers involved then one can easily resolve the conflict like in the case which we discussed”.

PREPARED BY SANA SIDDIQUI
CLASS OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND
CRISIS MANAGEMENT
B.A. (HONS) IIIRD YEAR, 2003

All content (C) Department of International Relations, Karachi University

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