The future SDLP leader, Mr Mark Durkan, has urged republicans to save the peace process by making a move on disarmament. He was speaking as speculation continued that there would be a major act of decommissioning by the Provisional IRA within four weeks.
Mr Durkan, who is set to replace Mr John Hume as SDLP leader next month, said actions, not words, would prevent a full-blown crisis. "Sinn FΘin need to move beyond the spiel and doublespeak in relation to the issue of decommissioning."
A Sinn FΘin delegation met the British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, in London yesterday before travelling to Dublin for talks with Mr Ahern and Government officials.
It is understood discussions are also continuing between Sinn FΘin and the Ulster Unionists. However, Mr Durkan warned against using talks with the two governments as a substitute for making progress. "If the republican movement wants to make a positive contribution to the current circumstances then it should be by coming forward in relation to decommissioning," he said. The SDLP will meet Government officials in Dublin today.
Speculation continued yesterday that the Provisional IRA was planning to move on decommissioning. UTV reported that the British and Irish governments expected a "major act of decommissioning" by the Provisionals within the next month.
However, both governments expressed doubts about such a move on decommissioning.
