Adams and Ahern in process talks

Sinn Fein leadership will meet Bertie Aherm

Problems in the Northern Ireland peace process is expected to top the agenda at a meeting between Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams in Dublin.

Monday's meeting was requested by Sinn Fein because of "a need for a rigorous review of progress made so far in implementing the Good Friday Agreement".

The party's ruling executive, the Ard Comhairle, met in Dublin on Saturday to discuss the peace process and continuing sectarian violence in Northern Ireland.

Caoimhghin O'Caolain, the leader of Sinn Fein's five-strong membership of the Irish parliament, said there was a "serious escalation in loyalist-orchestrated sectarian attacks across Belfast".

Caoimhghin O'Caolain wants review of implementation

"The Good Friday Agreement guarantees everybody the right to live free from sectarian harassment," he said.

"But in the current climate of fear and intimidation, these are just meaningless words."

Meanwhile, the former peace talks chairman George Mitchell has said he was optimistic that the current political difficulties could be overcome.

He was in Belfast on Monday to announce a new scheme to give students the opportunity to study in the United States.

Mr Mitchell, who recently took part in efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, said the situation in Northern Ireland was in stark contrast to his recent experiences in the Middle East.

"There are many friction points (in the peace process) - both geographic and in terms of issues - but I tell you I spent much of the past year in the Middle East and it is a relief to come to Northern Ireland," he said.

Peace process

Monday's meeting in Dublin comes ahead of crisis talks between the British and Irish prime ministers and the pro-Agreement parties later in the week.

Thursday's talks were called two weeks ago amid diminishing confidence in the peace process.

It followed revelations that a security assessment said the IRA had been developing and testing new weapons in Colombia.

Unionists are likely to press the UK Prime Minister Tony Blair to place sanctions on republicans.

But Sinn Fein, in turn, has said it will challenge the British Government over "its failure to deliver a new policing service and on crucial issues, such as demilitarisation, equality agenda and a bill of rights".

"This must be the focus of all the pro-Agreement parties and the two governments in the coming period," said Mr O'Caolain.