Ahern and Blair discuss IRA statement

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minister Tony Blair discussed the IRA’s latest statement by telephone today.

The two leaders, who are both on holiday, discussed the possible consequences of the IRA’s decision to withdraw its method of destroying its weapons in protest at the British Government’s suspension of the Northern Assembly.

Mr Ahern and Mr Blair also discussed the arrests of three suspected Provisional IRA members in Bogota, Colombia at the weekend.

However, a spokesperson said the Government here is awaiting the outcome of the police investigation before commenting further on the case.