The President of Sinn Fein, Mr Gerry Adams, is still considering a visit to Cuba this month despite the arrests of three suspected IRA members in Colombia, according to the party.
A Sinn Fein spokesman yesterday denied a report in a Sunday newspaper quoting a senior Sinn Fein source as stating the trip may be postponed because of difficulties in the peace process.
"Discussions were continuing last week involving our international department about arrangements for the trip," said the spokesman. Another party source told The Irish Times that Mr Adams was scheduled to leave for Cuba tomorrow.
The West Belfast MP has been urged by Irish American allies in Washington, such as Republican Congressman Mr Peter King, to reconsider the trip, which will include a meeting with President Fidel Castro.
Mr Adams wants to travel to Cuba to thank Mr Castro for his country's support for the republican movement over the years - particularly during the 1981 hunger strikes.
He insists Sinn Fein "has no case to answer" in relation to the arrests in Colombia.