The IRA has claimed in its annual Easter message that support for a united Ireland is increasing daily.
The statement said the IRA expressed hope that Sinn Féin would do as well in the general election in the Republic as it did in Northern Ireland last year.
However, it did not say a second move by the organisation to put its weapons beyond use is imminent or has taken place.
"Since Easter last year, Sinn Fín has increased its electoral mandate in the six counties to unprecedented levels of popular support," the statement in An Phoblacht/Republican Newssaid.
"The army recognises that there is the potential to replicate this progress in the coming months in the 26 Counties. It is the duty of all republicans and nationalists to support this project.
"More and more people understand and embrace the republican analysis. Their voice and their demands for the reunification of Ireland grows stronger by the day," the statement said.
Irish unity is the only way to secure justice and equality, it said.
It also said leadership and volunteers had shown their commitment since 1994 to "ensure that a lasting and durable peace settlement can be found".