A direct appeal by US President George Bush could help persuade the IRA to getrid of its weapons, Northern Ireland Secretary Mr Paul Murphy said today.
Mr Murphy, who is due to greet President Bush and US Secretary of State Mr ColinPowell when they fly into the Province later today, said the US administrationhad played a positive role in advancing the peace process.
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"I do hope that in the next week we will see these acts of completion beingdescribed, whether it's from us in terms of our joint declaration, whether it'sfrom the IRA doing what they have to do," Mr Murphy said.
"I think that the fact that we have got these world leaders and primeministers with us will actually help that process," he added.
President Bush, who will join Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair for a war summit atHillsborough Castle, is expected to call on the IRA to fulfil itsobligations as the two leaders spend time focusing on Northern Ireland.
Mr Murphy said he was reasonably optimistic that a deal could be struck afterMr Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern unveil their joint blueprint forrestoring devolution later this week.
"It is an extremely important week. There is a will and determination amongstthe pro-Agreement parties to try and resolve these matters," he added.
US Government sources say President Bush will urge all the parties to take thenecessary steps to secure an agreement.
One source said: "The emphasis will be across the board. The whole world iswatching and if there is ever a time for people to look at Northern Ireland in apositive way, that time is now."