Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair
Considering IRA clarification
Reliable sources have confirmed that the British and Irish governments have received clarification tonight about a number of issues they raised relating to the latest IRA statement.
It is understood that the Taoiseach, the British Prime Minister, and their officials are now studying the clarification to assess if it adequately addresses their concerns.
It is expected that further consultations between Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair will follow.
The Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams, issued a statement earlier this evening criticising the Irish and British governments for not publishing their blueprint for the peace process.
Re-doubling of efforts urged
The Northern Secretary, Paul Murphy, urged all sides to redouble their efforts so that future generations could reap the rewards of peace.
Paul Murphy told the House of Commons that the two governments believed there had been progress and that the IRA statement showed a clear desire to make the peace process work.
He said the statement dealt with the status of its cease-fire, its future intentions and a possible third act of putting arms beyond use.
Mixed reactions to statement
Speaking to RTÉ this evening, Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble said it was crucial that some development takes place in a matter of hours if a deal is to be reached with the IRA.
He repeated that complete disarmament and the absence of paramilitarism were key elements Unionists wanted to see addressed in an IRA statement.
Mr Trimble said Unionists welcomed decommissioning but added that taking someone's word in the absence of evidence was dubious.
He added that he was committed to power-sharing but the reason it failed in the first place was because of continued paramilitary activity by republicans.
The Sinn Féin Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alex Maskey, described the IRA document as an important development.
The SDLP said it was waiting to see the next IRA statement.
