Loyalists Groups Begin Disarming

The UVF and UDA have reportedly begun decommissioning their weapons.

It is believed the other loyalist paramilitaries are also preparing to put arms beyond use.

Senior sources within the organisations said the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) has carried out a significant act of decommissioning.

The Ulster Defence Association (UDA) is believed to have either made a start to the process or is set to do so very soon.

Several other group are said to be well-advanced in preparation to hand over their weapons also.

The move comes four years after the IRA entered into a decommissioning process.

Secretary of State Shaun Woodward gave loyalist factions until the end of August to show significant commitment towards disarming.

Mr Woodward has refused to confirm or deny reports on the latest move.

"It is for General de Chastelain to report on these matters. But if these reports are accurate it has demonstrated that the Secretary of State's policy of firmness with clarity and an understanding of how results could be achieved has worked," his spokesman told the Belfast Telegraph today.

The Independent International Commission on Decommisioning (IICD), headed-up by General John de Chastelain, arrived in Belfast last week.

There have been unconfirmed suggestions that the body met with loyalist representatives.

According to one senior loyalist, rank-and-file members have yet to be informed of the latest development.

Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson said any progress on loyalist decommissioning would be welcomed.

"Over the last nine months the DUP has been engaged in ongoing discussions with both the UDA and UVF leaderships," he said.

"The objective of the discussions has been to assist the organisations' transformation from paramilitary organisations into people who are playing their full part in a peaceful and democratic Northern Ireland with violence and criminality being firmly a thing of the past."

Mr Robinson said he was cautious of preempting any outcome.

(PR/BMcc)