The IRA has insisted it has honoured "the spirit and the letter" of its pledge to seek a united Ireland by exclusively peaceful means.

In a statement on Friday the group also sought to distance itself from allegations of criminality by republicans.

Its comments come just days after former British agent and Sinn Fein member Denis Donaldson was shot dead.

"Following our statement of July 28 last year, IRA volunteers have adhered, in the spirit and the letter, to the decisions and instructions outlined by the leadership," said the statement.

"We commend the discipline of our volunteers and salute their commitment.

"The IRA has no responsibility for the tiny number of former republicans who have embraced criminal activity.

"They do so for self-gain. We repudiate this activity and denounce those involved. The IRA remains committed to the peace process."

The IRA also said that many of its members were "frustrated and angry at the positions taken up by the two governments over the last year".

"However, in our view, the will of the people is to see advances in the political process," it added.

"The onus is on the two governments and the political parties to ensure that this happens.

"The Irish government in particular has a duty to see beyond the current phase of the process.

"Its responsibility is to promote an end to partition and to create the conditions for the unity and independence of Ireland."

IRA members were also urged to ensure "maximum unity in the time ahead".