Sir, - In order to remove the political impasse over arms decommissioning now blocking the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, paramilitaries should agree to the voluntary destruction of weapons and explosives, so there can be no suggestion of surrender from any side.
This proposal would be in line with the wishes of the overwhelming majority of citizens both North and South as shown in the referendum. Monitors agreed between parties associated with paramilitaries and the de Chastelain Commission would verify this voluntary destruction.
When this proposal is agreed and accepted by the Assembly parties and documented, then First Minister David Trimble would, on foot of such an agreement, set up the Executive with a date to be fixed for it to become operational once the self-destruction of weapons was done and verified.
Video evidence showing this destruction and the certification by monitors should suffice to break the deadlock and allow the peace process to continue.
This is urgent in view of the fact that the marching season is now upon us, that European elections are about to take place and sectarian attacks are on the increase in our society. - Yours, etc., Tom French,
President, The Workers' Party, Springfield Road, Belfast.