The police and British army have dismissed claims by Sinn Féin that bases in south Armagh are being fortified at a time when republicans are pushing for demilitarisation.
Newry and Armagh assembly member Conor Murphy accused the British government of "deceit and harassment"
of the people of Crossmaglen and Newtonhamilton.
"Despite promises by Tony Blair that they would implement a rolling programme of demilitarisation in this area, the British army are still engaged in rebuilding their bases," he said.
"A huge crane was seen working at towers within the barracks in Crossmaglen and Newtonhamilton residents have complained of several new security
cameras being installed over the
weekend."
Mr Murphy claimed that there had been increased military activity on Sturgan mountain outside Camlough in recent weeks. He also said that Sunday's GAA match between Armagh and Monaghan had been "severely disrupted by continuous helicopter flights".
"The current negotiations and talks taking place between all political parties reflect the seriousness of the crisis in the peace process," he said.
"Tony Blair and his government therefore should not attempt to deceive
people with false promises."
However, a police spokesman insisted that, while work had been carried out in the past week, this entailed taking
down an older communications mast to replace it with a smaller and more
modern one.
A British army spokesman said no camera equipment had been installed in either Crossmaglen or Newtonhamilton.
He said the controversial barrier
beside the Newtonhamilton barracks was in the progress of being dismantled, consequently opening the road.
Ulster Unionist assembly member Danny Kennedy insisted that it was right that the army bases be maintained.
"Other than the usual repairs and
refurbishments, I don't believe any
of the bases have seen additional
fortifications," he said.
"It is entirely sensible that as much protection as possible is afforded the security forces in this area, given the level of threat (by paramilitaries).
"And it would be ridiculous to even think about dismantling any of the barracks in south Armagh at this stage."
