Progressive Unionists to re-engage with IMC

The UVF-linked Progressive Unionist Party (PUP) is to re-engage with the Independent Monitoring Commission in Northern Ireland…

The UVF-linked Progressive Unionist Party (PUP) is to re-engage with the Independent Monitoring Commission in Northern Ireland.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the party's executive last night. The PUP, which sits with the Ulster Unionist

Party in Stormont, has had a difficult relationship with the IMC, which has recommended financial sanctions against the party in the past because of UVF activity.

The IMC is made up of former Assembly speaker Lord Alderdice, retired Irish civil servant Joe Brosnan, former Metropolitan Police anti-terrorist chief John Grieve and ex-CIA deputy director Richard Kerr.

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Last night's decision came amid mounting speculation that the UVF will also re-engage with General John de Chastelain's disarmament commission.

The UVF has reportedly engaged in an internal consultation on its future after the IRA's declaration 14 months ago that its armed campaign was over.

However, the paramilitary group is believed to be monitoring the outcome of the political talks this autumn before making public what its plans will be.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Sir Reg Empey was criticised in May when he entered into a pact in Stormont with the PUP.

If a power-sharing government is formed in the North during the lifetime of this Assembly, the move could ensure that there will be a majority of unionist ministers.