The two independent inspectors who examined IRA arms dumps have resigned their positions following the IRA decision on Tuesday to put arms and explosives beyond use.
Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, a former ANC member, and the former Finnish president, Mr Martti Ahtisaari, were appointed in May 2001. They inspected two weapons dumps on a number of occasions.
In a statement yesterday, they said: "In the light of this event and the renewed engagement between the IRA and the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning, we are now pleased to announce that our task as arms inspectors has ended."
"Substantial and significant" is how they described the IRA's announcement. "We have advised the British and Irish governments and other parties accordingly and have informed them that we will be available in the future to assist in the peace process if needed."