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Monitoring body to issue report Positive verdict on IRA activity
(about 9 hours later)
The Independent Monitoring Commission is due to publish its 11th report. The IRA is firmly committed to following a political path and is not engaged in terrorist activity, Northern Ireland's ceasefire watchdog has said.
Most of the report will deal with police and Army activity, but it will contain a general assessment of the threat posed by paramilitaries. The Independent Monitoring Commission reported the IRA still had a command and control structure but said this was vital for keeping on its peaceful path.
It is expected to say that the government's timetable for security "normalisation" is on schedule. It said dissident republicans posed the most significant threat while loyalists remained involved in violence.
Another report by the commission, which is due to be published in October, will deal with paramilitary activity in more detail. Meanwhile, it said troop levels have dropped to 8,300, ahead of schedule.
The IMC's 11th report focused mostly on security matters.
Its next one, due next month, will focus more on paramilitary activity, although Tuesday's report provided a brief assessment of the level of danger.
It said dissident republicans were seen as the main threat, although their operations have been hampered by their limited expertise.
There was acknowledgement that loyalist paramilitary leaders had contributed to the quiet marching season, but the IMC said loyalists remain engaged in violence.
It expressed concern about the UVF's refusal to clarify its position ahead of the November devolution deadline.
Stance against criminality
The IMC gave a positive verdict on the IRA: it said the organisation was not engaged in any terrorist activity, including procuring weapons or training members.
The four-man body believes the IRA leadership is opposed to the use of violence in community control and has taken a stance against criminality.
It said the IRA still had a command and control structure but argued this was an important element in maintaining the IRA on its chosen path.
The Irish justice minister, Michael McDowell, welcomed the report but said that the threat from dissident groups still caused concern.
"The report reflects the changed security environment in Northern Ireland that, consistent with protecting public safety, will advance the cause of peace and create the conditions for a full return to government by the elected representatives in Northern Ireland," he said.
The Independent Monitoring Commission was set up by the British and Irish governments in January 2004.The Independent Monitoring Commission was set up by the British and Irish governments in January 2004.
Most of its reports have concentrated on activity by paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland.Most of its reports have concentrated on activity by paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland.
However, it also monitors the "normalisation" of security measures in the province.However, it also monitors the "normalisation" of security measures in the province.
Its four commissioners come from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Britain and the US.Its four commissioners come from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Britain and the US.
In its last report the IMC said that the IRA leadership was committed to "following a political and peaceful path".
It found that the IRA had reduced its criminal activity and intelligence gathering.
However, it said some senior members were still involved in crime and some weapons had been retained by local IRA units in defiance of the leadership.