WITH former US Senator George Mitchell expected to arrive in Belfast today to prepare for his pivotal role in Monday's peace talks, an IRA message yesterday revived hopes of an imminent ceasefire.
The message, again communicated directly to news media in Belfast, said the IRA leadership was studying the arrangements and terms agreed by the two governments for the forthcoming talks.
According the the BBC, the "senior IRA source" who conveyed the message also indicated it was significant that it was stating publicly that the documents were being examined.
Two previous IRA messages communicated in the same way over the past week had indicated the chances of a ceasefire before next Monday were remote.
The change of emphasis in yesterday's contact follows the confirmation of Senator Mitchell's key role and the publication of detailed procedures and a draft agenda for the talks.
Senator Mitchell, the independent chairman of the process and head of the decommissioning sub committee, is scheduled to arrive in Belfast this morning, accompanied by his colleague, Gen John de Chastelain.
He is expected to have a series of meetings over the weekend, including one with Mr David Trimble. The UUP leader repeated yesterday that his party had not yet accepted Senator Mitchell's appointment and was reserving judgment pending discussions with him.
Mr Trimble revealed last night that he has invited the DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, and the UK Unionist leader Mr Robert McCartney, to a meeting this morning "to consider the opening of the talks on Monday".
Mr McCartney, who is advocating a joint unionist strategy at the talks, yesterday had discussions with Dr Paisley, whose party is expected to make some high profile protest at the opening of the talks.
The DUP has continued to denounce the appointment of Senator Mitchell in terms which the SDLP has described as a "sectarian outburst".
Gen de Chastelain, who is to chair Strand Two of the negotiations, yesterday told the BBC he had "absolutely no doubt" about Senator Mitchell's integrity.
Sinn Fein is preparing plans for protests outside Stormont next week. It is expected that the party leader, Mr Gerry Adams, will lead a delegation to the talks venue on Monday to formally demand inclusion on the basis of the party's electoral mandate.