Thanks Rumanci and everyone who has written a letter. Thanks Dave for spearheading that. US catters can help too. US special envoy Mitchell Reiss needs to be educated too. This from the Belfast Telegraph:

Earlier yesterday in Belfast, Mr Bush's envoy set out the US administration's assessment of the situation, putting fresh pressure on the IRA to declare its total rejection of violence and backing for democracy, saying progress hinged on them making the right response.

Mr Reiss said he wanted a quick reply to the pre-election call by Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams for the IRA to abandon violence and it was vital that response is "very positive and unambiguous.

"Everybody is waiting to see Gerry Adams' call to the IRA. And I think that once we get that response, we will be in a better position to evaluate whether we can reach a deal or not."

He admitted there were concerns the situation could worsen if there was no early response from the IRA and things were allowed to drift through the summer. "Everyone I have spoken with so far recognises the need for the IRA to respond positively and everyone has said sooner is better than later. You are either going forward or you are not."

No such call apparently was made to the loyalists to give up their weapons or abandon violence. The UDA (Ulster Defense Association) remains the largest sectarian paramilitary organization in Northern Ireland. Yet there seems to be little or no pressure placed upon them.