New claims that IRA chiefs sanctioned the testing of weapons in Colombia by the organisation's members looks set to dominate the political climate this weekend.

With the Northern Ireland peace process coming under intense strain, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Irish counterpart Bertie Ahern are due to hold talks at a top-level meeting in Jersey today.

The fresh allegations surround three IRA suspects currently awaiting trial in Colombia charged with training Marxist guerrillas.

The three men and Sinn Féin deny any involvement in terrorist-linked activity in the region.

However a security assessment has said the IRA was using Colombia as a testing ground to try out new weapons, including rockets, and that the activity was sanctioned at IRA army council level.

Hard-line unionists have demanded Sinn Fein’s expulsion from the Stormont power-sharing administration over the claims.

The Northern Ireland Office has said the Secretary of State has expressed his concerned about events in Colombia, but that he would be awaiting the trial of the men charged before making any judgements.

The Alliance party leader David Ford said it was important not to rush to judgement on the issue.

“Clearly there are concerns about the FARC link, but in the absence of real evidence people shouldn’t jump to conclusions on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations. However explanations and clarification will be required from the IRA, as there is a major lack of trust in the process at the moment.”

Mr Blair and Mr Ahern are set to hold emergency talks on the situation today when they join delegates at the British-Irish Council, a body set up under the Good Friday Agreement to foster closer links between the two countries.

(AMcE)