The SDLP leader Mr John Hume tonight welcomed the statement on IRA weapons by Mr Gerry Adams.
Mr Hume said he hoped Ulster Unionist leader Mr David Trimble, would respond positively by "ensuring that all the institutions remain in place and by ensuring that they work together to build a new society."
However The Rev Ian Paisley, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party was dismissive of the comments by Mr Adams.
"There is nothing in it. There is no talk about the end of the battle, the war is over, no talk of the army giving up its purposes," he said.
He said he believed a "dirty deal" had been struck by Sinn Féin and the British government.
Mr Paisley added he would not be satisfied with a possible statement from General John de Chastelain's decommissioning body that the process was starting.
"I am calling for something transparent, something that can be inspected and seen by the ordinary men and women who have born the brunt."
The Ulster Unionist Party made no immediate comment about Mr Adams' announcement. A spokesman said they were studying the script before responding.
Mr David Ervine of the Progressive Unionist Party called on the IRA to now state that its war is over.
"Everything the IRA has done up to now has been begrudging so let's see what the style and nature of this (decommissioning) is," he said.
Mr Ervine said he had no evidence to suggest that loyalists would make a reciprocal gesture on disarmament.
"If there are positive moves by republicans to save the process then maybe people can think about what they can do to assist the process," he added.
Alliance Party leader Mr David Ford welcomed Mr Adams' statement as an indication of willingness on the part of republicans to move on weapons.
He said it was up to Unionists to show their good faith and provide the key to progress - a commitment to the future stability of the political institutions.
Mr Ford said it was now incumbent on loyalist paramilitaries to decommission. "Only then can we all feel free from the threat of terrorist violence once and for all."
Women's Coalition Assembly member Ms Monica McWilliams welcomed the statement, emphasising the need for the paramilitary group to be "in touch with the people.
"We are pleased to see that Gerry Adams' statement today addresses the IRA and calls on them to stay in touch with that call."
PA