Sinn Fein Belongs at Talks, Blair Says

IRA-allied Sinn Fein representatives should rejoin Northern Ireland’s peace talks, Prime Minister Tony Blair said, adding that other negotiators were already “agonizingly close” to a settlement without them. Blair spoke after meeting Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams in London. Adams said he favored returning “as soon as possible,” but he added that he must consult with Sinn Fein’s Executive Committee next week. The British and Irish governments suspended Sinn Fein from the talks after ruling last month that the Irish Republican Army violated a truce.