But as long ago as December 1993 in the Dail, and then again in June 1994, the Irish foreign minister, Dick Spring, stated unequivocally that the key to Sinn Fein joining political discussions was a permanent cessation of violence, and that there would have to be verification of the handing over of arms.

ECONOMIST: Irish history: Love one another | The

On Wednesday, Canada will take over the council chairmanship in a meeting that will include signing a treaty on oil-spill preparedness and response as well as the decision on whether to increase the roster of permanent observers, with India, Japan, Italy and the European Union joining China and others on the list.

WSJ: Arctic Body Weighs China's Bid to Observe