Anti-agreement Ulster Unionists say they are confident of victory when their party's ruling body meets next month to debate the British and Irish governments' plans for the peace process.
It was announced yesterday that the 860-strong Ulster Unionist Council will meet on June 16th. UUP leader, Mr David Trimble, had opposed moves to call the meeting. But a petition containing the necessary signatures was gathered by leading anti-agreement MP, Mr Jeffrey Donaldson.
Normally, the UUC gathers on a Saturday morning but next month's meeting will take place on a Monday evening at a south Belfast hotel. Mr Donaldson said he was pleased it was going ahead. It is understood he will put a motion before delegates urging them to reject the joint declaration published by the two governments earlier this month.
It contains pledges on demilitarisation, policing and justice reform, equality, human rights, support for the Irish language and Ulster Scots, a sanctions body for parties who contravene the agreement, and a scheme enabling the return of on-the-run paramilitaries to the North.
Anti-agreement unionist anger increased after a leaked British army memorandum signalled that the Royal Irish Regiment's home battalions are to be disbanded. Mr Donaldson said he was confident his motion would be approved by the UUC.
"UUP members want clarity in the party's attitude to the joint declaration which offers much to republicans and nothing to unionists. They are not in the mood for another fudge. Rejecting the joint declaration is also the only way to safeguard the future of the Royal Irish Regiment."
The motion will urge UUC delegates to reaffirm the position they took at a meeting last September that their party would not return to government with Sinn Féin until the Provisional IRA demonstrated it was beginning to stand down its paramilitary structures.
UUP honorary secretary, Ms Arlene Foster, said the UUC meeting would give rank-and-file party members a valuable opportunity to discuss the issues.
"I look forward to a constructive debate on the joint declaration as there is a need for clarity and plain language on the party's position," she said.