Trimble predicts IRA statement

Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has predicted the IRA will issue a statement within days in response to Gerry Adams' call on the organisation to stand down.

Speaking in Belfast this morning, he said the statement might promise another act of decommissioning by the republican movement.

He said this could happen in an attempt to cover up an ambiguous reaction to Mr Adams' call.

Mr Trimble said the Ulster Unionists would not accept any such ambiguity and, if republicans wanted to be included in future negotiations, they would have to disband and decommission in a verifiable manner.