On his way to receive an honorary doctorate from a Boston college, Sinn Fein president Mr Gerry Adams welcomed the Ulster Unionist Council vote to re-enter government with his party.
At a press conference in New York, Mr Adams praised the move by the UUC, but he also stressed the importance of the British government illustrating its commitment, especially on the implementation of policing reforms.
"Sinn Fein welcomes today's decision by the Ulster Unionist Council. It is the right decision. It will also be welcomed by the people of Ireland and beyond.
"There is a clear onus on everyone involved to honour their commitment, and especially for the British government, which has to fulfil its commitment to the Good Friday agreement and the joint statement of May 6th," he said.
Questioned on recent reports about the British government seeking assistance from the White House on policing concessions, Mr Adams said the May statement by the IRA had come in a context, particularly regarding the Patten report. "That is the basis on which Mr Blair signed up, that is the contract which was created. The joint statement says the British government will implement the Patten report, it's very clear, there is no ambiguity."
But the Sinn Fein leader dismissed questions on weapons and said he had confidence that the IRA would keep to its word.
"I have more confidence that the IRA will keep to its commitment than I have about any other group, or any other government or any other institution in this process.
"Let's not have the next phase infected with media and other fetishes about guns. Let's let that part of the process move quietly and constructively and positively and let's all seek to make politics work, which is the only way to take the guns out of the situation."
Mr Adams also warned that "the rejection camp are going to regroup and they need to be faced down. Every issue is going to be a battle".