Decommissioning body confirms IRA has destroyed guns

The decommissioning body has confirmed that the IRA has put a quantity of its guns and explosives beyond use.

The confirmation came from General De Chastelain's office in Belfast has confirmed that the IRA has decommissioned some weapons.

It follows this evening's statement by the IRA that it has begun decommissioning.

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the British Prime Minister Tony Blair have both welcomed the news of the decommissioning.