Senior US politicians want the momentum built up by the IRA's decision to end its armed campaign maintained, a leading Sinn Fein figure claimed today.
Martin McGuinness said the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionists would also have to engage his party in talks as he arrived back in Ireland from a series of briefings in New York and Washington with leading US politicians.
Among those who met Mr McGuinness were Senators Hillary Clinton and Patrick Leahy, US President George Bush's special adviser on Northern Ireland Ambassador Mitchell Reiss and Cardinal Edward Egan of New York.
The Mid Ulster MP claimed on his return: "There was widespread support for the IRA's decision to end its armed campaign and recognition, not just of the historic nature of the move, but also the need for momentum to be maintained.
"This means that the Irish and British governments need to push forward with the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the restoration of the political institutions.
"It also means that the days when the DUP were allowed to prevent progress have come to an end.
"It is time for the DUP to step up to the plate and represent the interests of those who vote for them.
"It is time that they sit down face-to-face with Irish republicans."
The DUP and Sir Reg Empey's Ulster Unionists have been sceptical about the IRA's move, insisting the Provisionals will have to prove over time that Thursday's declaration is more than just words.
With the British government starting to dismantle three Army watchtowers in south Armagh and promising legislation in the autumn to smooth the return of paramilitaries who have been on-the-run since the Troubles, Sir Reg has accused the British and Irish Governments of throwing concessions at Sinn Fein on the back of a vague IRA statement.
In an article for the Ulster Newsletter he said today: "The statement should have been judged against basic criteria.
"Does this mean the IRA is finished and has gone away for good?
"Does this mean that all weapons will be given up?
"Does this mean that all the criminal activity is to be ended forthwith and not privatised or outsourced to criminal elements?
"Does this mean that republicans now support the police in the execution of their duty and will remove the threats against those nationalists who want to join the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland)?
"Does this mean that Sinn Fein will now urge young nationalists to join the PSNI?
"As far as the Ulster Unionist Party is concerned, these fundamental questions remain unanswered."
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George Bush's administrations have all welcomed the IRA's statement, believing it could lead to a restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland.
However unionists want proof that the IRA is ending paramilitarism and criminality.
PA