On Thursday August 8 we confirmed that the IRA leadership has agreed a scheme with the IICD to put arms completely and verifiably beyond use.

Our initiative was a result of lengthy discussions with the IICD over a protracted period.

This was an unprecedented development which involved a very difficult decision by us and problems for our organisation.

While mindful of these concerns our decision was aimed at enhancing the peace process.

'Unacceptable rejection'

We recognise the very broad welcome which the IICD statement received.

However, the outright rejection of the IICD statement by the UUP leadership, compounded by the setting of preconditions, is totally unacceptable.

The subsequent actions of the British Government, including their failure to fulfill their commitments is also totally unacceptable.

The conditions therefore do not exist for progressing our proposition. We are withdrawing our proposal.

The IRA leadership will continue to monitor developments.

Peacekeeping is a collective effort.

P O'Neill