Adams and Ahern discuss violence

Sinn Fein leadership met Bertie Ahern in Dublin

Problems in the Northern Ireland peace process have topped 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.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Ahern said continuing sectarian violence in Belfast was a cause for concern.

Bertie Ahern: Described ongoing street violence as "worrying"

"For whatever reason, there are escalating tensions on the ground and in the communities, which are worrying," he said.

"We have to do our best. It is a difficult time and worrying."

Mr Adams said it was essential that both the British and the Irish governments "do not bend themselves in any way except to see the full implementation of this Agreement".

He also stressed to Mr Ahern that "the totally intolerable situation in Belfast's inter-face areas" should be dealt with.

'Stay calm'

Earlier, Mr Adams appealed to the nationalist community not to do anything which would escalate tensions during what is likely to be a difficult marching season.

"I would appeal to everyone regardless of their political position who is annoyed, frustrated, agitated by what is happening at the moment across all political factions to stay calm and desist from anything which could add to tension."

Mr Adams was speaking after members of Sinn Fein's youth wing were accused of attacking a rural police station in Rosslea in Co Fermanagh yesterday.

Nationalists also clashed with police in west Belfast on Saturday after an Orange Order parade passed through Springfield Road.

Political difficulties

There were also early morning clashes in the interface in east Belfast on Saturday, with police coming under attack from nationalists, and loyalists' houses also being damaged.

Sinn Fein claimed the trouble in the Short Strand area erupted as a result of loyalist attacks across the peace line.

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".