Richard Haass open to NI ceasefire monitor
The scheme will involve the appointment of an individual or group to record acts of violence by Loyalist and Republican groups who are supposed to be on ceasefire.
The move, which was requested by the First Minister, David Trimble, has been criticised by the SDLP and Sinn Fein.
The Northern Secretary John Reid, is expected to formally announce it next week.
The US special envoy to the North, Ambassador Richard Haass, earlier indicated that he has an open mind on the proposal to appoint an auditor.
The matter is believed to have been discussed in talks at Downing Street between the Unionist leader, David Trimble, and the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair.
David Trimble said after the Downing Street meeting that the British government now seemed to have 'accepted in principle' the need for an independent ceasefire monitor.
The North's First Minister added that while there were still questions about the terms of reference for the monitor, he would want to see someone who would give an absolutely independent assessment, with no element of gloss or spin.
The Sinn Fein chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin said that the appointment of a ceasefire auditor would be a retrograde step.
He said such an appointment would be clearly outside the Good Friday Agreement and designed to pander to those Unionists opposed to change.
