Former Stormont education minister Mr Martin McGuinness today said the complete implementation of the Belfast Agreement was the best way to force the disbandment of armed groups in the North.
Mr McGuinness, who was explaining Sinn Féin's proposals for finding a way out of the political impasse, said it was "highly unlikely" that paramilitaries would disarm under the current terms set by unionists.
The Stormont Assembly was suspended by the Northern Ireland Secretary, Dr John Reid, on Monday following the resignation of two DUP ministers from the power-sharing executive.
Mr McGuinness today said implementing reforms on issues such as policing, justice and demilitarisation, would pose a huge challenge to all armed groups about their continued existence.
He said: "Can we do that to the agenda being set by those who are opposed to the agreement and on the time scale they are demanding? I think it is highly unlikely".
PA