1993
Talks remain bogged down in the planning stages. It is reported that for years, the British government has been in talks with Sinn Fein, hoping to broker a ceasefire among the IRA and to include the IRA's political wing, Sinn Fein, in the process.

In December, the Irish and British governments issue a joint statement - the Downing Street Declaration - that includes a commitment that the people of Northern Ireland will decide its future and a demand that the IRA permanently renounce violence.