David Trimble in talks with Loyalist Commission

The Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has told a delegation of loyalist paramilitary groups to fully consider their current position on decommissioning.

Mr Trimble’s comments come after a secret high level meeting held on Monday April 15 with members of the Loyalist Commission, which comprises of members of the Ulster Volunteer Force, Red Hand Commando and Ulster Defence Association.

It is understood Mr Trimble pressed loyalists at the meeting to follow the IRA’s example by starting to decommission their weapons.

However, other topics such as social deprivation and loyalist alienation were also raised and discussed during the meeting.

Speaking after attending the conference Mr Trimble said: “I was just one of a number invited by the Commission to provide analysis of the current political situation at Monday’s meeting.

“During discussions I urged the Loyalists to consider fully their position on decommissioning.

“I asked them to consider within their separate organisations my assessment of Northern Ireland’s political development.”

On the continuing problems in flashpoint interface areas Mr. Trimble said, “If we wish to encourage and improve community relations we have to address the problems in interface areas.

“Success in defusing the problems in North Belfast could pave the way to apply such criteria to other areas.”

(AMcE)