Govts: IMC report is basis for final North settlement
The Irish and British governments say today's assessment from the Independent Monitoring Commission lays the basis for a final settlement of the conflict in the North.
The body set up to monitor paramilitary ceasefires said today that the IRA was "firmly set on a political strategy" and was living up to its promise to end illegal activity.
The Irish and British governments will be using the conclusion to put further pressure on the DUP to end its policy of refusing to share power with Sinn Féin.
The British government said today that the IMC report confirmed a transformation in the status of the IRA and it was no longer credible to question the republican movement's commitment to politics instead of violence.
The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, meanwhile said it was clear the IRA had neither the intent nor the interest in restarting its paramilitary campaign.
In a veiled warning to the DUP, he said the Irish and British governments expected the North's political parties to "shoulder their responsibilities" and be prepared to engage constructively at talks next week aimed at restoring the power-sharing institutions.
