The Continuity IRA has denied that it has joined forces with the "Real IRA" to create a new republican paramilitary group. Media reports last week claimed that a coalition had been formed under the name "Oglaigh na hEireann", which included the "Real IRA", Continuity IRA and dissident Provisional IRA and INLA members.
It was claimed that the new umbrella organisation held a convention a week ago and was preparing for imminent military action.
However, in a statement to The Irish Times, a Continuity IRA spokesman said: "Contrary to a report in last Thursday's Irish News that a number of organisations have amalgamated, we categorically wish to state that the Continuity IRA is not part of any such group or alliance. CIRA has not taken part in any convention or discussions on this matter."
The spokesman said that CIRA's "ideology" would prevent it from amalgamating with the "Real IRA". Security sources say that CIRA is the military wing of Republican Sinn Fein, a claim the party denies.
The "Real IRA" declared a ceasefire after the Omagh bombing, but security sources have said its members appear to be reorganising.
Media reports that a convention to set up the umbrella group was held on June 20th have also been denied by "Real IRA" sources.
A meeting was held that day in Drogheda, Co Louth. Members of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, relatives of CIRA prisoners and former members of Republican Sinn Fein attended. However, the meeting was to discuss the situation facing "Real IRA" and CIRA prisoners on both sides of the Border and to agree on a campaign to highlight prisoners' issues.