The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has said he has no doubt the IRA would carry out the confidence-building measures on arms and explosives which it has promised.
"These are issues which have to be worked out. I have no doubt that Martti Ahtisaari and Cyril Ramaphosa, who are very good international figures, will want to see it worked out," he said in Derry yesterday.
"So we will leave it to the people who are committed to doing it, but I know I have no doubt it will happen," he said.
Asked if he was concerned that the Orange Order in Portadown and Drumcree was planning to hold a series of marches next month, Mr Ahern said he hoped that "these things can be worked out. The authorities here are doing their best to do that, the politicians here are doing their best to do it, and wherever we're asked for support, we'll be helpful."