The latest IRA statement has been greeted with cautious optimism by the British government and nationalist politicians but dismissed as a "cynical stunt" by unionists.
The Northern Secretary, Dr John Reid, welcomed the IRA's decision to intensify and accelerate their engagement with the de Chastelain Commission. "The important thing now is that it is quickly built upon to reach a comprehensive resolution of the arms issue," he said.
The Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams, welcomed the IRA statement.
"While there are many difficulties, it remains my firm view that none of these matters are intractable," he said.
An SDLP MLA, Mr Alban Maginness, said the statement was a "positive move". It was, however, essential that the IRA put its proposed scheme of a methodology of decommissioning back on the table to avoid a renewed suspension of the Assembly, he added. The proposed scheme was withdrawn by the IRA following the Assembly's last 24-hour suspension in August.
"I hope that people will seriously consider this statement. However, I fear this might be too little too late unless the statement includes a resubmission of the scheme."
A senior Ulster Unionist spokesman speaking on behalf of the UUP leader, Mr David Trimble, hinted that his party would not be satisfied with anything short of actual decommissioning.
"Before the last suspension, the IRA was told by the British and Irish Governments that they had to decommission their weapons. Their failure to do so resulted in a one-day suspension. A continued failure to begin decommissioning by the IRA means they will have to face even greater penalties," he said.
The spokesman was scathing about the IRA's denial of its involvement in Colombia: "There is no possible way these men could be in Colombia without the knowledge and permission of the IRA leadership."
The dissident UUP MP, Mr Jeffrey Donaldson, said the statement was yet another example of "too little, too late". He added: "The IRA should know by now that mere words are not enough. What we need is action on the arms issue. The reality is that more than three years after the Good Friday Agreement we have not seen a single weapon decommission ed." The time had come for a fundamental review of the Belfast Agreement which could only occur during a proper suspension of the North's institutions rather than "another 24hour-stunt", he said.