The United States hailed on Monday the disarming of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) as "a critical first step" towards lasting peace in Northern Ireland.

"It marks an historic day for Northern Ireland and is very encouraging for all those who support the peace process, the rule of law, and a Northern Ireland free from sectarian violence," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.

"It also marks an opportunity for all parties to renew efforts to reach a sustainable political settlement in Northern Ireland," McClellan told reporters.

McClellan made the remarks after General John de Chastelain, the retired Canadian military chief overseeing the disarmament process, handed a report detailing the Irish Republican Army's disarmament to the British and Irish governments.

De Chastelain announced in Belfast earlier in the day that the Ireland Republican Army has destroyed all of its weapons.

"The decommissioning by the IRA is a critical first step in fulfilling the terms of their July 28 statement to pursue its goals through exclusively peaceful and democratic means," said McClellan.

"It must be followed by actions demonstrating the republican movement's unequivocal commitment to the rule of law and to the renunciation of all paramilitary and criminal activities.

"We remain steadfast in our support for the peace process and the work of the British and Irish governments to achieve lasting peace and reconciliation for the people of Northern Ireland under the principles of the Good Friday agreement," the spokesman said.

After over 30 years of violence, the IRA announced in July an end to its armed campaign and that it would follow a democratic path in resolving issues.

Source: Xinhua