UUP repeats demands for early move on weapons

The Ulster Unionist Party repeated its demands for early paramilitary disarmament during yesterday's session of the Stormont talks at which decommissioning was discussed. Against resistance from Sinn Fein and the two loyalist parties, the UUP attempted to maintain decommissioning as a "live issue" during yesterday's session. The UUP delegation argued that paramilitary disarmament was a key "confidence-building measure" for unionists.

While acknowledging the contents of the 14-page report from the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning, Sinn Fein, the Ulster Democratic Party and the Progressive Unionist Party did not move from their positions that disarmament was highly unlikely ahead of a political settlement.

The report chiefly proposes that paramilitary groups destroy their own weapons or else hand them over to the disarmament body for destruction.

The commission also urges paramilitaries to make a gesture on disarmament. Even "modest" decommissioning would aid the political process, the commission says.

A PUP source said there were considerable "histrionics" during yesterday's discussions but little real movement on disarmament. "The position remains, weapons will not be handed over ahead of a political agreement," he added.

Mr Pat McNamee, a Sinn Fein negotiator, said his party wanted the disarmament of all groups including the "British army, RUC, loyalists and republicans".

Mr Sean Farren of the SDLP talks team said that decommissioning continued to be an "important confidence-building measure". Welcoming the publication of the report he added: "The need for real and genuine progress on this issue must not be underestimated."

Plans are in train to bring the talks process to London and Dublin in the new year. Under the rules of procedure for what are generally termed the Stormont talks, the Strand Two North-South negotiations can also meet in Dublin and London, and arrangements are being made for such a move, a Northern Ireland Office spokesman confirmed.

It is understood that Sinn Fein in particular is anxious that some element of the talks should take place in Dublin. The British and Irish governments have been invited to put forward proposals for moving the talks briefly away from Castle Buildings to London and Dublin.