BUSH CALLS FOR DECOMMISSIONING

US President George W Bush has called on the IRA and loyalist paramilitary groups to decommission their weapons in his most demonstrative statement regarding the Northern Ireland peace process to date.

Mr Bush’s first public comments are widely regarded to increase pressure on the IRA and loyalists to break the deadlock in the political process.

The President is to arrive in Chequers on Thursday 19 July for talks with Tony Blair and is expected to discuss the Northern Ireland situation.

In an interview with ‘The Times’ Mr Bush said: “The situation in Northern Ireland is coming to a critical stage …. There should be no mistake, we believe that the decommissioning part of the Good Friday Agreement must be upheld. We strongly support the governments of Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern in their attempt to enact the Good Friday agreement, and on of the crucial points is decommissioning. My government stands side by side with those governments and those two leaders in urging all sides to decommission, to disarm. I stand ready to help.”

The issue of decommission prompted David Trimble to resign his post as First Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive. He said that he was unwilling to continue working with republicans whilst the IRA still held onto their weapons.

Emergency talks in Weston Park in Staffordshire broke up at the weekend and the two premiers have retreated to draw up a “non-negotiable package” which will be presented to all the pro-Agreement parties at the end of July. The parties will then have until August 11 to consider the package. Failing a widespread acceptance of the deal Mr Blair will then have until August 15 to decide whether to suspend the Northern Ireland Assembly or call fresh elections.

Until now the Bush Administration has taken a cautious approach to the Northern Ireland peace process. Mr Bush’s until recently detached style has sharply contrasted with his predecessor Bill Clinton who was actively involved in brokering the Good Friday Agreement. (AMcE)