The IRA has urged the British government to begin rapidly a "demilitarisation programme", saying failure to do so would damage political progress in the North.
In a new year statement issued last night, the IRA directed criticism and warnings at both the British government and the Ulster Unionist Party about harming the prospects for moving the political process forward.
It claimed the UUP had imposed further conditions for political progress which under mined the potential for advancing the peace process.
The organisation insisted it had "consistently demonstrated our willingness to facilitate the search for a durable peace" in the North. It also confirmed its representative would have further discussions with the Independent Commission on Decommissioning. The IRA said it appointed a representative "on the understanding that it would help end the political vacuum which had been created and maintained by unionist politicians for the previous 18 months and bring about forward political movement.
"The subsequent attempt by the UUP to set preconditions on further political progress was not part of this understanding, is outside the terms of the Mitchell review and serves only to undermine the potential for advancing the peace process."
The statement, appearing in this week's issue of An Phoblacht, also referred to the recent controversy over the bugging of a car used by the Sinn Fein leader, Mr Gerry Adams, and Mr Martin McGuinness.
It said "recent revelations surrounding British intelligence covert surveillance operations and RUC efforts to recruit informers are clear evidence of a continuation of their war against republicans.
"These activities are part of an ongoing attempt to defeat republicans and subvert the existing opportunity for the achievement of a durable peace.
"There can be no excuse for further delay in the implementation of those aspects of the Good Friday agreement which are the responsibility of the British government.
"Any failure on their part to rapidly implement a programme of demilitarisation can only have a negative impact on the potential for political progress and, therefore, serve the same agenda as those who continue covert surveillance operations.
"The search for a durable peace has presented challenges to Irish republicans, unionists and the British and Irish governments, and will continue to do so."
The statement concluded: "As we move into a new century, there exists an unprecedented opportunity to leave behind the failures of the past.
"The leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann will continue to play a positive role in a genuine effort to realise a just and lasting peace."
In line with familiar practice, the statement was signed: "P. O'Neill, Irish Republican Publicity Bureau".