IRA will not give up weapons soon: RUC Chief

Hopes of a breakthrough during next week's talks on the peace process, have

suffered yet another setback.

The RUC Chief Constable, Ronnie Flanagan said he does not believe the IRA is about to start decommissioning its weapons.

Earlier today, the Northern Secretary, Dr John Reid and the leader of the UUP, David Trimble said that they were not optimistic ahead of next week's negotiations in England.

Mr Flanagan said the IRA has shown no signs of beginning to hand over their weapons.