IRA will not undermine peace process, says Adams

The IRA will not in any way undermine the peace process or the Good Friday Agreement, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams claimed today.

In a statement which was being billed as the definitive position from republicans on the IRA's future, Mr Adams said: "The IRA leadership makes it clear in its statement that it is determined that its activities will be consistent with its resolve to see the complete and final closure of the conflict."

Mr Adams said there was now a need for the British and Irish governments to publish their joint declaration on the future implementation of the Good Friday agreement.

Mr Adams said it was his belief that all three questions posed to republicans last week by Prime Minister Tony Blair had been answered fully in his speech last weekend.

"However, the Taoiseach (Bertie Ahern), the British Prime Minister and others have queried my answer about alleged IRA activities.

"The IRA leadership is determined that there will be no activities which will undermine in any way the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement.

"The IRA's statement is a statement of completely peaceful intent. Both governments have already acknowledged this.

"The joint declaration and all other statements should now be published. The commitment contained in all statements should be implemented."

Mr Adams' statement was made as Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble travelled to Downing Street for a meeting with the Prime Minister.

Republicans hoped it would persuade London and Dublin to release their joint declaration covering issues such as policing, justice and the scaling down of army installations.

They also hoped it would guarantee that the Assembly elections would take place as planned on May 29.

* Here is the full text of Mr Adams's statement:

"Last Sunday I made a lengthy statement about the future of the peace process which has been widely welcomed. In the course of my statement I answered three questions raised by the British Prime Minister.

"It is my belief that all three questions were answered fully. However, the Taoiseach, the British Prime Minister and others have queried my answer about alleged IRA activities.

"I want now in the interests of moving matters forward to eliminate any doubt which might exist in that regard.

"The IRA leadership makes it clear in its statement that it is determined that its activities will be consistent with its resolve to see the complete and final closure of the conflict.

"The IRA leadership is determined that there will be no activities which will undermine in any way the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement.

"The IRA statement is a statement of complete peaceful intent. Both governments have already acknowledged this.

"The Joint Declaration and all other statements should now be published. The commitments contained in all statements should be implemented."