Irish and British govts welcome end to UVF activity

The Irish and British governments have welcomed the Ulster Volunteer Force's decision to end all paramilitary and criminal activity.

The development was announced by the leadership of the loyalist group during a press conference in Belfast this morning.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern is hailing the significance of the move and says he hopes it is a first step towards total decommissioning.

Northern Secretary Peter Hain, meanwhile, says the statement is further proof that the North is moving into "a new and positive era".

Elsewhere, Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has described the UVF declaration as another important step in the peace process.