Trimble 'discussed decommissioning' with loyalists

The Ulster Unionist leader, David Trimble, says he discussed decommissioning when he met members of the Loyalist Commission yesterday.

The Commission comprises of paramilitaries, Protestant clergymen and loyalist community representatives.

Mr Trimble, who had a hand in setting up the group, said he was just one of a wide range of people invited to provide his analysis of the political situation.

More general issues, such as loyalist disaffection with the political process, were also discussed.

He says he raised the need to reinstate the loyalist ceasefire and pressed for loyalists to follow the IRA's example by decommissioning weapons.

The recently-established Commission includes members of the illegal Ulster Volunteer Force, Red Hand Commando and the Ulster Defence Association.

It was the first time the UUP leader has met all its members.