The Government has encouraged the Northern Secretary, Mr Peter Mandelson, to engage in "further specific acts of normalisation" following yesterday's publication of Mr Mandelson's review of security strategy.
Calling for "the earliest possible announcement" of significant changes in security arrangements, a Government statement attached "the highest significance" to such developments.
A formal statement said: "The Government strongly believes that with the transformation of the political and security situation resulting from the establishment of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and from sustained ceasefires over a substantial period of time, a real opportunity now exists for significant moves on security normalisation.
"In this regard the Government welcomed the announcement on December 3rd of the Secretary of State of a review of specific security arrangements which includes security installations throughout Northern Ireland. The first phase of the review will be completed early in the New Year. The Government attached the highest significance to the review process. The focus is now very firmly on the review. In this regard, the Government believes that, in line with the Good Friday Agreement, this should facilitate the earliest possible announcement of further specific acts of normalisation."