Government disappointed by IRA move

The IRA's decision to withdraw its offer to put the its weapons beyond use hgas come as no surprise to the main political parties and the two governments.

Bertie Ahern: urging all parties to resolve outstanding difficulties

The IRA withdrew the plan it had put to the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) in a statement this morning citing unionist rejection of the scheme.

The Taoiseach Mr Ahern has said he is disappointed by the IRA statement but added the two governments would continue their efforts to secure the full implementation of the Belfast Agreement.

"At this time, I urge all the parties to use the period ahead to resolve outstanding difficulties and not to lose sight of their pledge, given in the Agreement, to work to ensure the success of each and every one of the arrangements established under the agreement", Mr Ahern added.

The Minster for Foreign Affairs Mr Cowen also said the IRA statement was "disappointing" and urged the group to reverse its decision.

"In our proposals to the parties, the governments mapped out a way forward on four issues - policing, demilitarisation, the institutions and decommissioning.

"As was recognised on all sides, in reaching agreement with the International Commission on Decommissioning on a scheme for putting arms beyond use, the IRA made an important contribution towards resolving the fourth issue. It is, therefore, particularly regrettable that they have taken today's step and I strongly urge them to reverse their decision".

The Northern Secretary Dr John Reid said the IRA statement can only play into the hands of sceptics who have always doubted the IRA's intentions.

"I understand that they have difficulties with their people. We all have difficulties, but today's announcement does not fundamentally change the process.

Dr Reid said he would still press ahead with policing reform and reform of the criminal justice system but decommissioning, he added, still remained an indispensable part of the Belfast Agreement.

A spokesman for the British government said the IRA's withdrawal of its offer to put its arms beyond use is "regrettable" but changes little

"We are aware of the (IRA) statement," a Downing Street spokeswoman said.

"It is regrettable but it does not change anything on the ground."