The re-establishment of devolved government in Northern Ireland is possible if all IRA paramilitary and criminal activities have been brought to an end, the Taoiseach has said.
Speaking in Belfast this afternoon, Mr Ahern also welcomed the LVF's announcement of an end to its activities.
"The confirmation by General de Chastelain last September that IRA arms had been fully decommissioned was a momentous development. The recent report by the IMC noted that the initial signs since the IRA statement of 28th July were encouraging. This is welcome," he said.
But the Taoiseach added: "The report only covers a four-week period since the IRA statement. An end to paramilitary activities and to criminality must be demonstrated over a longer period. That is why the Governments have asked the IMC to report again in January.
"If indeed it is the case that all IRA paramilitary and criminal activities have been brought to an end, then I believe that re-establishment of devolved government is achievable.
"It will be a good day for Northern Ireland when there is once again a fully functioning Assembly and inclusive Executive. Despite all the difficulties, Northern Ireland has been at its best when the institutions have been working. And I believe that once re-established, and with the confidence that everyone has genuinely moved on, Northern Ireland will enjoy sustained stability and progress," Mr Ahern said.
Mr Ahern said he hoped full support for policing would be achieved "as soon as possible" and added there was "enormous untapped potential" to be developed in the North and that the peace process "must leave nobody behind".
He called for skills, including those in research and development, be developed on both sides of the Border to help build the "knowledge economy" of the future.