UDA in discussions with de Chastelain

UDA representatives have held talks in Belfast with Gen John de Chastelain's international decommissioning body, writes Suzanne…

UDA representatives have held talks in Belfast with Gen John de Chastelain's international decommissioning body, writes Suzanne Breen, Senior Northern Correspondent.

Loyalist sources confirmed to The Irish Times that a meeting took place yesterday afternoon but declined to say what had been discussed.

They said the talks with Gen de Chastelain were part of an initiative announced when the UDA declared a ceasefire in February. The Ulster Political Research Group, which provides political analysis to the UDA, refused to comment on the talks.

A spokesman for the decommissioning body said: "I can acknowledge they met, but we will not be making any additional comment."

READ MORE

First official visit by naval vessel to NI

The LE Eithne steams up the river Lagan in Belfast today, marking the first official visit by a Naval Service patrol ship to Northern Ireland, writes Lorna Siggins, Marine Correspondent.

The visit, at the invitation of Belfast City Council, is part of the Titanic commemorations over the Easter weekend which link the liner's home port, Belfast, with its last port of call, Cobh, Co Cork. The commander of the LE Eithne, Mr Pat McNulty, is from Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh.

House searched in murder investigation

PSNI detectives investigating the disappearance and suspected murder of a 15-year-old schoolgirl from Castlederg, Co Tyrone, yesterday searched a house once occupied by a man who is currently in custody charged with her murder.

Arlene Arkinson went missing in August 1994, and her body has never been found. Last year a local man, Mr Robert Howard, was charged with her murder.

"Our investigation into Arlene's disappearance remains ongoing, and we will continue investigating the case until ultimately we find Arlene's body," a PSNI spokesman said yesterday.

Man held over sheep attack released

A man who was questioned in Derry yesterday by police investigating an attack on a flock of sheep in a Co Tyrone village at the weekend was released without charge pending the preparation of a report to the Director of Public Prosecutions.