The Sinn Féin leader Mr Gerry Adams has insisted that, despite speculation, "no deal has been done" on the Northern Ireland peace process.
Speaking ahead a landmark meeting with US President George W Bush and British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair, Mr Adams said that he remained "absolutely committed" to bringing about a deal. "This deal", he said, "would be full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement."
Mr Adams said in order for a deal to be done, he needed assurances that unionists, and the UUP in particular, would respect the institutions set up under the Agreement. He also dismissed speculation of an IRA arms move.
Mr Adams, who was accompanied by Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Mr Martin McGuinness and Mr Conor Murphy MLA, also said that it was "insensitive to have a war summit in this country" and his party would be raising objections with Mr Bush.
Mr Adams insisted that the view of the majority and of Sinn Féin was that the war in Iraq was wrong. He also insisted that the way to resolve conflics is through diplomacy, in this case dialogue through the UN.
The Taoiseach, Mr Blair and Mr Bush will host round-table talks with pro-Agreement parties this afternoon. Mr Ahern and Mr Blair will unveil plans to save the peace process on Thursday.
