Trimble in talks on NI process

Mr Trimble met senior US government officials

Alleged IRA involvement with Colombian FARC rebels has been discussed at a meeting between the Ulster Unionist leader and a senior US government official.

David Trimble met President Bush's special adviser Richard Haass in Washington at the weekend.

Mr Trimble met senior US government officials to express unionist concerns about recent developments.

No level of violence is tolerable in Northern Ireland

David Trimble
First minister

The Ulster Unionist leader raised allegations that the IRA was behind the break-in at Belfast's police headquarters, during which sensitive Special Branch intelligence was stolen on 17 March.

The issue of IRA files detailing information on senior Conservative Party members and army bases in England was also discussed.

The Ulster Unionist Party described the talks as a "good meeting".

Mr Trimble stressed his belief that "no level of violence was tolerable in Northern Ireland".

He said the process of law had to be enforced in Northern Ireland.

It is understood Mr Haas is planning to visit Northern Ireland to hold further talks with Mr Trimble.

Sinn Fein has denied republican involvement in the security breach at Castlereagh's police headquarters.

Last month, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams declined a request to attend a US congressional hearing on Colombia.