The Loyalist Commission which comprises of loyalist paramilitaries, mainstream Ulster Unionist politicians and Protestant clergymen has issued a statement condemning the IRA for the current political impasse.
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In a statement issued tonight, the Loyalist Commission accused republicans of bringing about the recent collapse of the political institutions in Northern Ireland.
The Commission called on the republican movement to 'ease unionist concerns' about their intentions towards the peace process in the run-up to Christmas.
The Commission also called for the boycott of the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation which it referred to as a "Dublin-inspired" body.
The Forum for Peace and Reconciliation was formed in 1994 in the wake of the IRA ceasefire by the then Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and involved the SDLP, Sinn Fein and the main parties in the south - Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, Labour and the Progressive Democrats.
It operated until 1996 and received submissions from trade unionists, representatives of the business and voluntary sector as well as former South African president F W de Klerk.
Earlier today, representatives of the Progressive Unionist Party met with Paul Murphy and afterwards said they would be willing to do what they could to deliver peace.
North Belfast MLA Billy Hutchinson said for that them to do that theGovernment must ensure that everyone collectively was involved in resolving theproblems of the peace process.
The PUP Assembly member said: "What I am saying to you is as a member of apolitical party which speaks for two of the paramilitary organisations (theUlster Volunteer Force and the Red Hand Commando) we are quite prepared to movein a particular way which brings peace to this country.
"What has happened is we have been excluded from all talks in the past andthe talks have been between Sinn Fein and the Ulster Unionists, and we have seenwhat that has produced.
"It has produced more alienation. It has produced more mistrust and it hasn'tproduced what everyone has wanted, and that is a peaceful society."
Mr Hutchinson said it was his view that there was a commitment from theRepublican Movement to resolve things politically.
He said: "I think that the IRA have recognised that the only way they can winany war is politically, and therefore what we have to do is be in the arena withthem to challenge them politically.
"We are the political representatives of loyalism, and we are the people whocan actually negotiate with Sinn Fein and others to find an accommodation inthis society which no longer brings about any type of violence."
PA