United States backs Blair demand for IRA peace clarification

THE United States yesterday backed British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s demand that the IRA should clarify its commitment to the peace process.

US special envoy to the North Richard Haas said he was confident, if the IRA gave clear and unambiguous answers to Mr Blair’s questions, the present deadlock would be broken.

Mr Blair has said the IRA statement of April 13 did not go far enough and he wants them to answer three straight questions about ending all activities before the power-sharing executive can be restored.