An announcement by the IRA of a second act of decommissioning is imminent, according to a Northern Ireland newspaper.
The Irish Newsreports today that decommissioning has already happened or is about to happen. The report also says "well-placed sources" have indicated the weapons move has already taken place and that the head of the Independent International Commision on Decommissioning, Gen John de Chastelain is happy with the arrangements.
Speculation has been mounting since the start of the year that the second move would be timed to coincide with the general election campaign in the Republic.
Sinn Féin leader Mr Gerry Adams is in the United States, and there is speculation an announcement will be made to coincide with the trip. March 17th, St Patrick’s Day, is thought the likely date for an announcement.
But the recent furore in Britian and Northern Ireland over the amnesty for paramilitary suspects on the run could delay any announcement.
A Sinn Féin spokesperson said: "We’re not getting into speculation because this issue is used to undermine the peace process".