More IRA weapons 'beyond use'

The IRA has issued a statement - its second today - confirming that it has put more of its weapons beyond use.

The IRA statement says this third act of decommissioning took place under the agreed scheme.

The IRA statement reads that "the leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann can confirm that a further act of putting arms beyond use has taken place under the agreed scheme".

The statement, signed P. O'Neill, does not go further but it is understood that there will be further contacts between the IRA intermediary and the decommissioning body in the future.

This second statement comes within hours of an earlier one welcoming Gerry Adams' speech this morning in which he said he was determined to bring the conflict to a full and final conclusion.

A statement from the decommissioning body is expected after General John de Chastelain finishes briefing both the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister at Hillsborough Castle.

Dependent on that, the Ulster Unionist Party leader, David Trimble, is expected to call a meeting of his Ulster Unionist Council to approve returning to devolved government with Sinn Féin.