Repubilcans last night rubbished reports that the IRA is to consider standing down in a bid to appease unionists.
Newspaper reports yesterday claimed the republican group was set to hold a secret mass meeting to discuss abandoning its armed struggle.
The report in the Sunday Times also claimed that the IRA would consider destroying its weapons in public, paving the way for Sinn Féin to join the Policing Board.
Last week, the Irish News reported that republicans were involved in intensive consultations about whether disarmament should take place and what form it should take.
It was also claimed that republicans were discussing what the British government might be prepared to offer on demilitarisation in the north.
The moves are designed to breathe new life into the flagging peace process, which has been under severe pressure since allegations of intelligence gathering by republicans emerged last September.
The process was dealt a further blow last week when the UVF-aligned Progressive Unionist Party said it would no longer deal with Sinn Féin.
This was preceded by a statement from the UVF saying that the loyalist group was withdrawing from negotiations with John de Chastelain's decommissioning body.
Many observers believe a statement on disbandment from the IRA would provide fresh impetus for the process.
But last night a senior republican source dismissed claims that the IRA was considering standing down.
"I have no idea where these reports are coming from because I have heard nothing anywhere that would indicate any such move," the source said.
The source also rubbished reports that the IRA was continuing to target unionists.
Two separate newspapers yesterday alleged that republicans had information on senior Orangemen and loyalist community workers respectively.
"These allegations come from unnamed sources, so there is little sense in giving them any more credence," the source said.
"Such sensationalist and mischievous claims don't help to promote or stabilise the peace process."
He added that Sinn Féin's position on joining the Police Board remained clear.
"Despite all the speculation about imminent moves, our position remains clear: Sinn Féin will not join the Police Board until such times as the British government moves to the full implementation of Patten," he said.
