Ahern disappointed at IRA statement

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is disappointed the IRA has withdrawn its plan to put weapons beyond use.

But he said the two Governments would continue to work to secure full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

He called for the parties to resolve the outstanding difficulties and ensure the success of all the arrangements established under the agreement.

He said: "Naturally, I am disappointed by the IRA statement. Putting arms beyond use is an indispensable part of implementing the Good Friday Agreement.

"The two Governments will be continuing with our efforts to secure the full implementation of the agreement on the basis of the package of proposals put to the parties on August 1.

"At this time, I urge all the parties to use the period ahead to resolve outstanding difficulties and not to lose sight of their pledge, given in the agreement, to work to ensure the success of each and every one of the arrangements established under the agreement."

Ulster Secretary John Reid said the decision will be regarded as a disappointment and would play into the hands of sceptics who always doubted the IRA's intentions.

Dr Reid added: "Withdrawing from an agreement which took two years to arrive at, only five days after republicans declared it historic, can only play into the hands of those sceptics who have always doubted their intentions.

"Decommissioning remains an indispensable part of that agreement and I will not be deflected, and not deterred from proceeding with those parts of the agreement like creating a new police service in Northern Ireland and the renewal of the criminal justice system which are of benefit to all the people of Northern Ireland."