The IRA is unlikely to move on decommissioning before David Trimble's July 1 deadline, according to a senior source within the organisation. The IRA source told RTÉ News that the issue of arms can be resolved, but will not be done on British terms nor by ultimatums from the Unionists. The source also said that they had honoured all their commitments to date and will continue to do so. The source repeated that the IRA poses no threat to the peace process.
Bertie Ahern reacted to the statement, saying "We want the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. The only way we can implement it in full is to deal with all of the issues. It's no good if everyone doesn't agree to deal with all of the issues." Dr John Reid, Northern Secretary said that the British government will meet its commitment to policing and de-militarisation but "either we all move forward together or we all fall back".
The Taoiseach warned yesterday that all sides of the peace process needed movement to prevent a slide into an even deeper crisis. He added that if there is no progress on decommissioning, he could not foresee progress on other issues. However, it has become clear that there will be no movement on decommissioning before Mr Trimble's deadline at the end of the month. The Ulster Unionist leader has said that he will resign as First Minister unless the IRA begins decommissioning its weapons by July 1.
