An emergency resolution calling for the full implementation of the Belfast Agreement was passed on Saturday.
The resolution, which was proposed by the party's Assembly member for South Antrim, Mr David Ford, urged all pro-agreement parties to "devise a formula consistent with the terms of the agreement which will facilitate the formation of the executive and devolution of power to the Assembly". Mr Ford accused both the Ulster Unionists and Sinn Fein of a "nobody-wants-to-blink-first" attitude. "The deadlock is symptomatic of the problems of this society - the refusal of unionist and nationalist politicians to take the necessary steps forward, to regard compromise as an honourable necessity, to lead their supporters rather than follow their extremists," he said.
Mr Ford added: "The Ulster Unionists have constantly used delaying tactics over the past year, not just in their dealings with Sinn Fein. They have retreated in the face of their own right wing, rather than actively trying to find a resolution."
Republicans, on the other hand, needed to start decommissioning soon if the completion date of May 2000 for a weapons hand-over was to be observed, he said. "I have no doubt that for republicans, decommissioning is a painful issue. But they must remember that for many, the release of prisoners is a painful issue. The agreement requires that we must all compromise for the sake of securing a better future for all of our people."
Mr Ford added that given the "closeness of the two wings of the republican movement", it was difficult to understand "how the best endeavours of Sinn Fein have not led to movement by the IRA". He said in recent weeks, Sinn Fein members had given the impression they were not interested in real decommissioning, ever.
His sentiments were echoed by Ms Eileen Bell, the party's Assembly member for North Down, who seconded the resolution. "I acknowledge the fact that Sinn Fein's acceptance of the need for decommissioning could lead to personal danger and threats on their lives from members of their own community, never mind their political opponents and their hard-liners," she said. "But the alternative is actual violence perpetrated upon the entire population of Northern Ireland."
Alliance's spokesman on justice, Mr Steve McBride, described decommissioning as a "red herring". He told conference delegates it did not affect the capability of the IRA to acquire new weapons and go back to violence "if and when they choose."