Time 'running out' says Reid

John Reid: Involved in intense talks with parties

The Northern Ireland secretary has said time is running out for a solution to the issue of IRA decommissioning, as efforts continue to try to break the political deadlock.

John Reid said he had been in contact with Sinn Fein over the past few days and believed they were working hard to try to resolve the problem.

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has confirmed he has spoken to the IRA.

The developments came on Sunday, a day after senior security sources told the BBC they were not ruling out an IRA move on weapons within days.

The absence of decommissioning led to the resignations of five unionist ministers from the power-sharing executive on Thursday night, and means the institutions could now collapse.

'Crisis'

Intensive behind-the-scenes negotiations aimed at resolving the outstanding issues, including that of decommissioning, are taking place.

Dr Reid told GMTV on Sunday there was a "long way to go" to get the full benefits of the Good Friday Agreement.

He said: "It may take many years to get the full fruition of it, but an indispensable part of that is a further movement on the arms issue, and of course that applies to all paramilitaries."

The secretary of state added: "We're fast running out of time on this impasse".

Gerry Adams: In contact with both governments

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams spoke to Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern on Saturday.

In an interview on RTE radio on Sunday, Mr Adams confirmed he had been in contact with the IRA.

"If the IRA is persuaded to make some move on this issue, it will because it wants to rescue the process.

"We have told them that we will continue to try with others to create a context into which the IRA and others may wish to step. The decision has to be theirs."

Mr Adams said Sinn Fein's talks with the British and Irish governments and other political parties would go on at least until Monday.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness is to travel to America on Sunday evening for a round of talks with political leaders in Washington.

It comes a day after Mr McGuinness said he was working "flat out" to secure IRA decommissioning but added the process was in a "terrible crisis".

Security sources have told the BBC the IRA could move on the arms issue without the organisation holding a convention - a meeting at which the IRA rules on matters of major importance.

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Under assembly rules, there are a further four days in which Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble could prevent the collapse of the power-sharing arrangement and a return to direct rule by deciding to re-nominate his ministers.

Mr Trimble has said that will depend on the IRA putting its weapons beyond use in a verifiable and meaningful way.

He resigned as Northern Ireland first minister in July to put pressure on the republican movement to get rid of weapons.

If devolution is suspended for an unlimited period, it is likely the government will start a review of the implementation of the Agreement.