A decision to postpone assembly elections in Northern Ireland for a second time would be tantamount to calling a halt to the Belfast Agreement, Sinn Fein's Mr Martin McGuinness claimed today.
The Mid Ulster MP insisted republicans had stretched themselves "to the limit" in trying to make the peace process work and believed the elections should go ahead on May 29th.
"If the British Government were to postpone these elections it would be very damaging for the democratic process," the former Stormont education minister said.
"It would send a very clear message that rejectionist unionists are having their way. It would be tantamount to the British Government calling a halt to the Good Friday Agreement".
The warning came as Northern Ireland Secretary Mr Paul Murphy prepared to meet the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, in Belfast to discuss the state of the peace process.
Mr McGuinness welcomed the response from the governments to a statement from Mr Gerry Adams responding to questions from the British Prime Minister. Mr McGuinness claimed the IRA's statement contained significant and "very positive elements".
"The IRA's statement is . . . unparalleled and unprecedented in any phase of their struggle.
"It promises actions to put arms beyond use with a view to dealing with all arms. It is also clear that the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the joint declaration would also provide the basis for the complete and final closure of the conflict" he said.
PA