The Independent Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) today expressed optimism over the decommissioning of arms in Northern Ireland and said it had renewed contact with the IRA.
In a report published today, the IICD said while there has been no actual decommissioning to date, events in recent weeks indicate progress on the issue can be made.
The Commission, chaired by Gen John de Chastelain, said it has renewed contact with the IRA representative and it considered it to be in "good faith".
During its last meeting with the IRA representative the Commission said it established a basis for further discussion.
The IICD also said loyalist groups, the UVF and the UFF, had confirmed their willingness to consider decommissioning their arms in recent meetings. It said they confirmed their general agreement on methods and related supporting issues.
But it said both groups have indicated they will not move until the IRA begins decommissioning.
On welcoming the report, the Taoiseach Mr Ahern stressed the importance of further early and positive moves through the IICD "in pursuit of the IRA's commitment to resolving the issue of arms, as set out in its statement of May 6, 2000.
The re-engagement by the IRA with the Commission and the positive nature of the IICD report was also welcomed by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Mr John O'Donoghue and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Dr John Reid.