There is growing speculation that the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, is coming under increasing pressure to officially acknowledge the LVF ceasefire called last May.
Dr Mowlam has to date refused to accept that the LVF ceasefire was genuine, despite repeated statements from the group that "its war is over".
However, last week's comments by the RUC Chief Constable, Mr Ronnie Flanagan, that he believed the loyalist ceasefires were secure and that there was no indication that organised paramilitary groups were behind the recent violence in Portadown, are making it increasingly difficult for Dr Mowlam to maintain her present stance in relation to the LVF.
A source close to the LVF said: "There is absolutely no question regarding the sincerity of the May ceasefire, it is complete and unequivocal. We have proved we are committed to peace and the Chief Constable has by his comments acknowledged this.
"Three months ago we also made an offer to decommission weapons, that offer is still on the table."
The LVF has always maintained that once their ceasefire was officially recognised, they would proceed with decommissioning "within hours, rather than days".
Pastor Kenny McClinton, who had until recently acted as intermediatory between the LVF and the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning said he was optimistic that the Secretary of State would act positively regarding the LVF.
Pastor McClinton said: "All people seeking a decent and civilised society would not hesitate to take the chance to remove weapons from the streets of Northern Ireland. However, I feel very confused as to why the ruling army council of the LVF offer has apparently been spurned by the Secretary of State." Pastor McClinton challenged Dr Mowlam to accept the Chief Constable's assessment of the loyalist ceasefires and officially recognise the LVF ceasefire of May 15th.