DUP claims 'cover-up' over IRA decommissioning

The DUP have today alleged that head of the decommissioning body, General John de Chastelain, along with the British government, have engaged in a cover-up over IRA decommissioning.

The claims were made following a meeting with the DUP leader, the Reverend Ian Paisley, and General de Chastelain earlier today.

Dr Paisley called on the security forces to provide more information on reports that some IRA members kept weapons following the disarmament of weapons last September, however he later said that it was apparent that no details would be published until all paramilitary organisations completely decommissioned.

He said: "They should tell the people what they know so that the people can be forearmed to meet what is going to happen; because those arms are going to be used against the Protestant population of Northern Ireland."

Sinn Fein chief negotiator Martin McGuinness today said that the DUP must stop searching for reasons to get out of power sharing.

Mr McGuinness said: "The IRA have dealt decisively with that issue and the DUP know this. What this meeting is about is part of the DUP search for excuses not to engage."

The Independent Monitoring Commission's report, which was released in January, revealed that the organisation was still gathering intelligence, and some of its members were still involved in organised crime.

The report also claimed that some of the members had retained weaponry, however General de Chastelain said that there had been no evidence to back this up.

The IRA has denied claims that it deliberately held back weapons.

(EF/SP)