IRA must match words with action - UUP

The IRA must match its words on decommissioning with action, an Ulster Unionist group examining the peace process claimed tonight…

The IRA must match its words on decommissioning with action, an Ulster Unionist group examining the peace process claimed tonight.

In a statement issued after a meeting with the Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid, the Ulster Unionist review group said it was unacceptable that almost three years to the signing of the Belfast Agreement that "no progress has been made on actual decommissioning by Republicans".

"Last week's IRA statement is meaningless, unless immediately followed by action and product," the group said.

They claimed: "The Secretary of State accepted the commitment given by the Ulster Unionist Party to the political process and recognised the moral courage shown by them."

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The Review Group expressed disappointment that the Nationalist SDLP deputy leader and Stormont Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon had again refused to meet them.

"We believe the meeting with Mr Mallon at this time could have been helpful and constructive," the review group said.

"In the past Mr Mallon gave assurances to the Ulster Unionist Party to support the removal from office of those who blatantly dishonoured their obligations on decommissioning.

"This commitment has not yet been fulfilled."

The review group was commenting four days after talks involving the Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair and the pro-Agreement Parties, broke up without a comprehensive agreement on disarmament, police reforms, demilitarisation and First Minister David Trimble's sanctions against Sinn Féin.

However, the IRA committed itself to re-engaging with the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning in an attempt to move the peace process forward.

Mr Blair also claimed last Thursday at the end of the marathon talks session that agreement could be reached by June on policing and all other outstanding issues in the peace process.