The Northern Secretary, Mr Mandelson, will travel to Dublin to meet the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, this evening to discuss the latest report of the decommissioning body which the two governments received at about 1.30 a.m. today.
The report was finally delivered, 1 1/2 hours past the deadline, following protracted discussions and contacts between the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, the British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, and Sinn Fein, with the Ulster Unionists being kept informed.
It is understood the report was finalised following the presentation of "a form of words" from an IRA representative on the decommissioning issue. Considerable doubt remained over the likely reaction of the Ulster Unionists who have insisted words would not be enough.
Official sources said the report would not be made public until after the Cowen-Mandelson meeting at the earliest. This means it will not be available in time for the proposed debate on decommissioning in the Northern Assembly this afternoon.
There was considerable speculation about the contents of the report, including unconfirmed suggestions that a conditional timetable for resolving the weapons issue was included which would be contingent on other developments in the political arena. In his last report, Gen de Chastelain hinted that he might set out a timetable of his own within which decommissioning could occur.
Senior sources in the peace process remained sceptical that the suspension of the institutions and a consequent withdrawal of the IRA from decommissioning talks could be avoided.
Since the weekend there has been a major drive by Dublin to prevent the suspension of the institutions by ensuring a positive report from the general.
A team of officials from Dublin was in Belfast last night for discussions and further talks are expected today. The Taoiseach was in contact at least twice with Mr Blair yesterday and he also spoke to the Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams.
There were reports late last night that the governments were exploring the possibility of a week-long review in the Assembly prior to any suspension. Initial unionist reaction was described as unfavourable. But the suggestion was being taken by observers as a sign the situation had improved.
An early version of the de Chastelain report was described as "very stark" and it appears that, following the diplomatic and political drive by Dublin, the final version was more positive in tone. The original version, it is understood, would have left the UUP leader, Mr David Trimble, with little or no option but to offer his resignation as First Minister, thereby precipitating the rapid suspension of the new institutions.
Now it is understood that the general's report is "more positive" and contains conciliatory language from republicans which may allow the two governments to conclude that decommissioning is still, in a phrase used by the Northern Secretary, "on track."
Mr Ahern was yesterday in contact at least twice with the British prime minister. He also spoke to the Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams.
Doubts remained as to whether the more positive report would be enough to stave off Mr Trimble's resignation. It appeared that if the two governments characterised the report as an advance to wards total decommissioning, this could prompt a unionist rethink.