The Ulster Unionist Party has increased its sanctions against Sinn Fein ministers in protest at Provisional IRA inaction on decommissioning.
Previously, Mr David Trimble had refused to authorise the attendance of Sinn Fein ministers at North-South Ministerial Council meetings. The UUP said yesterday its ministers had refused to attend a council meeting in Armagh.
A party spokesman said: "We made it clear that UUP ministers would not attend. This is a significant escalation of sanctions against Sinn Fein." The meeting was cancelled.
Sinn Fein condemned the UUP action. Mr Gerry Adams accused Mr Trimble of subverting the Belfast Agreement. He also called on the British government to state that it would not suspend the Assembly and the Executive.
The Northern Secretary, Dr John Reid, is understood to have held separate meetings with the pro-agreement parties at Hillsborough Castle, Co Down, yesterday. Round-table talks between the two governments and the parties are expected on Tuesday.