The British government will challenge Sinn Fein's delegation at next Monday's Stormont talks on the IRA statement that it has "problems" with the Mitchell Principles on democracy and non-violence.
Unionists are demanding Sinn Fein should be expelled immediately from the all-party talks by the British government following the IRA's statement yesterday distancing itself from Sinn Fein's declared support for the principles.
What Sinn Fein does "is a matter for them", an IRA spokesman was quoted as saying in the republican newspaper An Phoblacht/Republican News. "The IRA would have problems with sections of the Mitchell Principles."
The IRA position contrasts with the action of Sinn Fein, which on Tuesday affirmed its support for the principles. Yesterday the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, insisted that "the entire republican movement" must honour the principles.
In Washington last night, the White House spokesman, Mr Mike McCurry, said there would be alarm in the US if anyone involved in Northern Ireland's Troubles had problems with the principles.
"We would be greatly concerned if there was any indication at all that any of the parties, or those with whom the parties are familiar, are not acknowledging the importance of Sinn Fein's signature on the Mitchell Principles." 995565
The IRA announcement and its timing have put additional strain on the loyalist ceasefire, caused problems for those Ulster Unionists who want to participate in talks and heightened hostility from those unionists who have already decided to boycott the talks.
The Progressive Unionist Party leader, Mr David Ervine, described the IRA's announcement as disastrous: "It's a nightmare for loyalism and a nightmare for the whole unionist community. It elevates within unionism those who were already distrusting and disbelieving."
Mr Ahern said the way forward was through "democratic, peaceful means". Disarmament should be dealt with through the new decommissioning commission.
The Government, the SDLP and Sinn Fein attempted to play down the significance of the IRA statement yesterday. A Government source said the comments were "nothing we haven't heard before from the IRA".