Ulster Unionist Party leader Mr David Trimble has been weak in defence of the Belfast Agreement since receiving the Nobel Peace prize, it was claimed today.
Mr Bill Flynn, chairman of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, said in Belfast that his organisation was disappointed by Mr Trimble's handling of the peace process since receiving the prize in 1998 along with former SDLP leader Mr John Hume.
"One thing that has disappointed us about Mr Trimble was that after receiving the Nobel Peace prize with John Hume he became very weak in his defence of the Agreement.
"He has failed to stand up for it."
Mr Flynn was commenting as the National Committee outlined 10 requirements for a permanent peaceful settlement in Northern Ireland.
The Committee called on all paramilitaries to issue a "straightforward statement" that their wars were over and to agree to the full decommissioning of their weaponry.
It also called for the full implementation of the Agreement and unconditional support for the police service.
Mr Flynn, a prominent Irish-American businessman who played a key role in securing a visa from former US president Bill Clinton for Sinn Féin leader Mr Gerry Adams in the early stages of the peace process, said Northern Ireland parties needed to close in on a deal next week.
"Prime Minister Tony Blair as well as virtually all political leaders in the north of Ireland are in agreement that progress by inches towards a peaceful settlement can no longer be tolerated," he said.
"The people of Northern Ireland can wait no longer. The world can wait no longer."
Dr George Schwab, president of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, was also scathing in his criticism of the Ulster Unionist leader.
He accused Mr Trimble of destabilising the Agreement by "constantly issuing ultimatums" which went "far beyond what was provided for in the Good Friday Agreement".
He speculated that Mr Trimble could be facing "the end of the road" in Northern Ireland politics.
"He may abdicate from the party," Dr Schwab said.
The NCAFP president also floated the possibility that the DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, could surprise people by compromising if he were to emerge as the leading voice in unionism.
PA