UUP has meeting with de Chastelain

The UUP has called on the IRA to hasten the process of decommissioning following a meeting between a party delegation and the…

The UUP has called on the IRA to hasten the process of decommissioning following a meeting between a party delegation and the decommissioning body yesterday.

The delegation, lead by party leader Mr David Trimble, said Gen John de Chastelain insisted another meeting between the commission and the IRA would have to occur for progress to be achieved on the arms issue.

Mr David McNarry, the UUP representative for Strangford, said a "quick shift" was needed during future engagements to discuss methodology for arms disposal. There were no clear indications the IRA was intent on moving the process forward.

"I think we are all concerned about the time scale between that happening and not happening. So if we're taking anything positive from it, we are taking the positive step that he [Gen de Chastelain] will be coming back to us."

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In a report to the British and Irish governments on Thursday, Gen de Chastelain welcomed the recent re-engagement of the IRA following recent talks at Hillsborough Castle.

The commission has since held a meeting with an IRA go-between to discuss putting arms verifiably beyond use.

Mr Pat Doherty, the vice-president of Sinn Fein, yesterday accused Mr Trimble and the British government of dishonouring their commitments in the peace process.

"It seems that David Trimble is intent on continuing his wrecker's charter and acting illegally by not nominating Sinn Fein ministers to the all-Ireland bodies," said Mr Doherty.