The United States has renewed its calls for an end to all paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland.
"We have said that paramilitary organisations, both republican and loyalist, are the biggest obstacle to normalisation in Northern Ireland," State Department spokesman Mr Richard Boucher said, urging the full implementation of the Belfast Agreement.
"It's important for this process that we move forward by ending all paramilitary capabilities and illegal activities," he said.
Mr Boucher spoke after Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell met at the State Department with the Northern Secretary Mr Paul Murphy, to reaffirm US support for the faltering peace process.
"The two agreed on the importance of ending all paramilitary activities and capabilities and discussed progress being made on policing," he said.
"Secretary Powell also reiterated US willingness to assist the British and the Irish governments in their efforts to devolve government in Northern Ireland and to solidify the peace process," Mr Boucher said.
Today's meeting came amid reports the IRA is nearing a decision to effectively disband. However, Sinn Féin denied the substance of the reports shortly after they appeared.
AFP