Republicans are unlikely to cave in to pressure over the next few days for IRA disarmament, Ulster Unionist leader Mr David Trimble claimed tonight.
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First Minister Mr David Trimble.
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With nine days before Mr Trimble's resignation as Northern Ireland First Minister the prospects of an IRA gesture on arms looked increasingly unlikely as Sinn Féin's Mr Martin McGuinness said republicans would not bow to unionist demands.
Following a round of talks at Hillsborough in Co Down involving the Irish and British governments and the pro-Belfast Agreement parties Mr Trimble gave his gloomiest assessment of the ability of the parties to break the deadlock over arms, policing, demilitarisation and the political institutions.
The Ulster Unionist leader said: "Unfortunately there is no sign of progress and in our own estimate it will be some time yet until we see republicans beginning to respond to the very clear pressure they are under.
"It is my view, it is my expectation that the issue will be resolved but let's be quite clear that it can only be resolved in one way.
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"Look at what is being said at the moment. Look at the editorials in the paper. Look at the interviews that are being given.
"Can you not see how there is a united front throughout Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, all political parties, commentators saying to republicans: it is time for you to keep your promise?"
Pressure has been mounting on Sinn Féin from the Taoiseach Mr Ahern and SDLP deputy leader Mr Seamus Mallon to secure movement on arms.
SDLP leader Mr Hume became the latest nationalist politician to call for an arms gesture.
Mr Hume said at Hillsborough: "I would like to make it very clear that all the parties have pledged themselves to totally democratic and peaceful methods.
"Then there is no need for weapons of any description. They should be got rid of as soon as possible."
But Mr McGuinness emerged from Sinn Féin's meeting with the Northern Secretary Dr Reid and the Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Cowen saying he had taken the governments to task for attempting to place the burden of decommissioning entirely on his party.
"We are under no circumstances going to accept that this responsibility was ours alone," the Stormont Education Minister said.
"The two governments and other parties have a responsibility to work collectively in order to achieve this. It won't be achieved by threats, ultimatums or deadlines from David Trimble."
Mr McGuinness's defiant language mirrored comments from a senior IRA source on Wednesday that while the group believed the arms issue could be resolved it would not be on unionist or British government terms.
Failure by the IRA to disarm by June 30th will result in Mr Trimble's resignation the following day and place both governments in a dilemma over how to rescue the agreement.
PA