Peace process can still be saved, says Trimble
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble says republicans could still save the peace process if they begin to decommission their weapons.
Mr Trimble said the Secretary of State John Reid could suspend the assembly for one day if there was reason to hope the terrorists would begin decommissioning.
He said it would be pointless to do it "just to buy another six weeks" but that Mr Reid should take the course that "will do the least damage to the process".
Mr Trimble expressed disappointment that the IRA statement did not say when it would begin putting its weapons beyond use.
"We have an IRA statement that says they intend at some point to do it. The question arises at what point.
"The agreement committed the disarmament by May 22, 2000. Over a year ago on May 6, 2000 the IRA promised to do it, they haven't done it yet. It's because of that I announced I would resign on June 1."
The Provisionals earlier confirmed their proposal to put their guns completely and verifiably beyond use. But a statement which disclosed eight meetings with the general since March, failed to detail when the shifting of weapons would actually begin.
With virtually no hope of the Provisionals beginning to empty their secret arms dumps within the next 48 hours, the Ulster Secretary looks set to suspend the Stormont Assembly.
No decision is likely until the weekend, and although some senior Unionists admit the republican proposal to General John de Chastelain is a step in the right direction, they say the IRA needs to go further.
