Ulster Unionists would be disappointed if significant progress was not made in the peace process by Thursday night, their leader Mr David Trimble said today.
As the North prepared for US President George Bush's arrival and participation in talks on the process, Mr Trimble warned there would be "disappointment" if republicans failed to endorse policing and wind down the IRA as a paramilitary group.
He said: "We hope the President and Prime Minister will in their discussions tonight and tomorrow adopt a common approach and a common position with regards to terrorism.
"We know that the President will urge the parties to take acts of completion.
"Indeed, I recall the warmth of the President's endorsement of the Northern Ireland Police and our new Chief Constable (Hugh Orde) in the St Patrick's Day reception in Washington less than a month ago.
"So I imagine that he will renew that endorsement and have some questions for those who still cannot bring themselves to do the most basic thing required of any party in a democratic state which is to support the police.
"I think there will not be a little impatience if they continue to drag their feet, not just in policing but also on disarmament and on making it clear that the private armies, the private terrorist armies, are a thing of the past, and that they will be wound down, disbanded, stood down - whatever you like.
"They really do have to go away."
Mr Trimble said Northern Ireland's politicians were reaching "a moment of truth" with the release of the two governments' joint declaration on the full implementation of the Belfast Agreement.
With unionists hoping that an IRA statement declaring an end to all paramilitary activity would swiftly follow the joint declaration, Mr Trimble said he wanted to see all the issues tackled decisively by Thursday night.
"I just expressed the hope that by Thursday night we do see decisive steps beginning to unfold," the former Stormont First Minister said. "There has got to be, in the words of the resolution of the Ulster Unionist Council on September 16th, it has got to be made clear that the process of transition is coming to a conclusion, and that means not just words but actions.
"It means actions of such a nature that makes it clear that on the issues of putting the private army to rest, disarmament and support for policing, that those matters are all proceeding to a conclusion. That is what we need."
Earler Mr Trimble rounded on politicians for voicing their opposition to the invasion of Iraq.
"I think we can take a degree of pride that the leaders of the coalition that are seeking to liberate Iraq have decided to have their summit meeting here in Belfast.
"I am sure they will receive a warm welcome from the people here.
"But those people and indeed the families of the Ulster and Irish servicemen who are engaged in Iraq will look on with a little bit of amazement and a little bit hurt at the behaviour of those who are playing games with their so called anti-war stance."
PA