IRA arms mission launched

Tony Blair greets Cyril Ramaphosa and Martti Ahtisaari

Political leaders in Northern Ireland have had their first meetings with the two international statesman appointed to inspect IRA weapons dumps.

The former secretary-general of the African National Congress, Cyril Ramaphosa, and the ex-president of Finland, Martti Ahtisarri, have been given the job of checking that the IRA is honouring its offer to put its arms "beyond use".

They pledged to regularly re-inspect the dumps to ensure the weapons remained secure.

In a statement, they spoke of the "profound importance" of the task before them and called for "patience" from those expecting a rapid decommissioning of terrorist weapons.

Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble said the inspections would be a confidence building measure but that there were still questions that needed answering.

David Trimble seeking further assurances on arms and policing

He said: "If all that society is being offered is the inspection of arms dumps, it will not be regarded as a satisfactory resolution of the issue.

"The dumps are not the permanent solution.

"We don't have any clear indication of a timetable on putting arms beyond use, and indeed, when it's likely to be done completely and finally," he said.

Sinn Fein's Pat Doherty paid what he called a courtesy call on the weapons inspectors.

He said the substance of the business was between the two men and the IRA.

Earlier on Monday, Mr Ramaphosa and Mr Ahtisaari had an hour of talks in London with UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson.

Foundation to bear RUC title

Meanwhile, Mr Mandelson has announced plans for a government-funded foundation for the development of police officers in Northern Ireland.

The Ulster Unionists have made retaining the name of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, which the government intends to change to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, a pre-condition to re-entering the suspended power-sharing government.

Ronnie Flanagan: Foundation significant move

But although the RUC Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, said he saw the creation of a foundation as a "very significant move which would preserve the name of the RUC in perpetuity", it may not be enough to allay Unionist concerns.

UUP security spokesman Ken Maginnis said it was "a fitting gesture to recognise the RUC in this foundation, but it must not be delivered as a means to detract from the Britishness of our police force".

The Policing Bill is due to be published on Tuesday.

There is also substantial unease among unionists about whether the Union Flag would continue to be flown on government buildings in Northern Ireland.

The Commons is to debate measures giving the Northern Ireland Secretary the final decision in any disputes.

The Ulster Unionist Party's ruling council is due to meet on Saturday.

The special meeting of the council has been called to consider a return to power-sharing government with republicans.

Unionists remain wary of the IRA offer and fear republicans are simply storing their guns for use if the political process does not develop in line with their wishes.

The unionist meeting takes place just two days before the British and Irish Governments' target date for a restoration of the Stormont assembly.