Signs of "some movement" by the British government in relation to new legislation on policing and criminal justice were reported last night (Friday) ahead of Monday's crunch negotiations at Hillsborough Castle.
And as intensive talks continue over the weekend some key elements of an implementation package are beginning to emerge including a mechanism covering all acts of completion.
This mechanism might mean the setting up of an independent commission which would have a verification role.
It is understood that on Monday Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will put an implementation document on the table which is a concept of the principles on acts of completion. Attached will be five annexes containing the fine details.
Yesterday officials from the British and Irish governments held meetings to discuss developments.
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams together with Martin McGuinness and Gerry Kelly were in London for talks to resolve the current crisis.
The discussions cover all of the substantive issues from policing, demilitarisation, equality, human rights and criminal justice.
The Irish News understands that while work is still in progress there has been some movement by the British government particularly in relation to new legislation on policing and criminal justice – although as ever, the detail has to be addressed.
Meanwhile, there is a struggle emerging within the talks process between unionists and republicans on the issue of sanctions in the assembly or verification mechanisms about acts of completion.
There has been speculation that the British are going to offer to remove the suspension legislation and that discussion is taking place about a verification process which may include sanctions.
Last night Gerry Adams said: "Any move to introduce sanctions would be entirely outside the Good Friday Agreement."
It will go down to the wire regarding what, for example, the offer will be from the IRA in answer to the British offers on demilitarisation, policing, justice, etc.
The big question is – will there be a straightforward statement from all paramilitary groups that the war is over, along with agreement on full decommissioning and a permanent end to all paramilitary activity?
