UDA disarmament statement expected

The Ulster Defence Association is expected to release a statement today indicating its intention to disarm.

It comes just a few days after Northern Secretary Paul Murphy said he recognised the UDA ceasefire.

Members of the Ulster Political Research Group, the group that provides political analysis to the UDA, have recently been in talks with the Irish and British governments to discuss ways of re-engaging loyalist communities in the peace process.

If the UDA signals an intention to disarm, it will pressure other loyalist organisations including the Ulster Volunteer Force to follow suit.

The British government officially recognised the Ulster Defence Association's ceasefire last week.

This recognition was withdrawn in October 2001, because of the UDA's continued involvement in violence.

The loyalist organisation declared a new ceasefire in February of this year.