Cowen urges unionists to trust IRA

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Brian Cowen, has urged the Ulster Unionists to accept that the IRA is committed to putting its arms beyond use.

Mr Cowen said last night’s statement, in which the IRA said it will accelerate its dealings with the decommissioning body, confirms that the republican movement is committed to resolving the arms issue.

"It behoves everybody, especially the unionist party, to recognise the primacy of the de Chastelain commission and the fact that this matter will be resolved in a way that is consistent with the Good Friday Agreement," he said.

"No partisan interpretation or no further condition is required in order for this matter to be dealt with by the people who are charged with that responsibility."