The key players in decommissioning negotiations

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Leading article: Mr Adams's words must not lead to another false dawn

Adams urges IRA to give up arms to save peace in Northern Ireland

The key players in decommissioning negotiations

Arms move risks dangerous divisions in Unionist parties

'It is a time for clear heads and brave hearts'

IRA braces supporters for a 'big move' on its weapons

Cyril Ramaphosa

Mr Ramaphosa was widely regarded as the African National Congress's toughest negotiator during the struggle against apartheid. However, in the race to succeed Nelson Mandela as president, he was outmanoeuvred and beaten by Thabo Mbeki. The former leader of the National Union of Mineworkers and secretary general of the ANC is now a successful businessman, though he is known to still have a soft spot for rebel causes. His appointment was seen as an attempt to allay republican fears.

Martti Ahtisaari

The man who negotiated the peace deal with Yugoslavia that ended the Kosovo conflict. At the time, he was President of Finland which, as a non-Nato country, was in a good position to deal with the West, Slobodan Milosevic and Boris Yeltsin. He enjoys an international reputation as an effective negotiator.

Did not stand for second term as president, and reportedly disliked the job.Conducted meetings with Boris Yeltsin in saunas, wearing only a towel. He trained as a teacher and is married, with one son.

John de Chastelain

A retired general, he was born in Scotland and educated at Fettes College until his family emigrated to Canada after the Second World War. He attended the Royal Military College there and rose through the ranks until, in 1989, he was appointed head of Canada's armed forces. Observers agree he showed infinite patience during the disarmament negotiations. Last year, asked about the stalled process, he said: "Nobody can compel the IRA to disarm." He relaxes by painting, fishing and playing the bagpipes.

Richard Haass

Richard Haass was appointed the Bush administration's special representative for Northern Ireland this year, with the rank of ambassador. The Brooklyn-born Middle East specialist and Oxford Rhodes scholar was a leading figure at the Brookings Institution think-tank, director of planning the State Department, and a member of George Bush Snr's National Security Council. He was appointed last week to oversee efforts to create a stable government in Afghanistan after military operations end.