Anglo-Irish Plan Launched

The British and Irish governments Tuesday approved a framework for peace in Northern Ireland that provides a basis for negotiations between all parties, including Roman Catholic and Protestant combatants.

The governments appealed to those involved to keep an open mind about the proposals, which will be presented here today.

Prime Ministers John Major of Britain and John Bruton of Ireland directed their remarks largely to the political leaders of Northern Ireland’s Protestant majority, which already has angrily denounced the joint Anglo-Irish plan for a new Northern Ireland.

The proposal reportedly would allow unprecedented involvement by the Irish Republic in the governmental affairs of Northern Ireland, which is part of Britain. It would achieve this by creating “cross-border” institutions--joint agencies representing Ireland and Northern Ireland--to help manage problems of mutual interest, such as tourism and the environment. The framework is expected to include a pledge from the Irish Republic to amend its constitutional claim to Northern Ireland.

Bruton, speaking to his Parliament in Dublin, stressed that the proposal is not cast in concrete. It is designed to be debated and negotiated, he said, “to facilitate, not preempt, dialogue.” It ultimately will be submitted to a referendum in Northern Ireland.