US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has welcomed the loyalist decommissioning moves confirmed on Saturday.

In a statement, Mrs Clinton said: “The announcements underscore the remarkable progress that has taken place in Northern Ireland over the years. All parties agree, as the people of Northern Ireland do, that the only way forward is through peace and reconciliation, and not through violence.

“Peter Robinson and other unionist leaders should be commended for their efforts in convincing these groups to take this courageous step. Leaders on all sides deserve our praise for their continued commitment to moving the process forward.

“The United States remains engaged in order to support Northern Ireland in its progress towards a future of peace and prosperity.”