The Irish Republican Army (IRA) announced on November 17 that it is ready to appoint a go-between to begin talks with Northern Ireland's disarmament mediator only when a power-sharing government is set up in the province.

It was the first time for the outlawed group to address disarmament in a positive light, changing its attitude that the subject was not one for negotiation.

Local reports said that a Protestant-Catholic power-sharing executive could be established by December 8.

A statement released by IRA said the IRA middleman would be in contact with retired Canadian general John de Chastelain, head of Northern Ireland's disarmament commission.

"The IRA is willing to further enhance the peace process and consequently, following the establishment of the institutions agreed on Good Friday last year, the IRA leadership will appoint a representative to enter into discussions with General John de Chastelain and the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning," it said.