Adams questions IRA target list

Adams said 'scepticism' was needed in such cases

BELFAST, Northern Ireland (CNN) -- Sinn Fein is casting doubt on the disclosure of an alleged Irish Republican Army list of targets which includes British opposition figures.

The documents were discovered by authorities and disclosed this week following raids before Easter on the homes of IRA suspects in Belfast.

In a statement released by Sinn Fein on Saturday, it said "the chief culprits in the present controversy are the failed and faceless manipulators in the Special Branch and British Intelligence services."

It went on to say: "Everyone needs to be very sceptical about stories emanating from these elements or their surrogates."

Stolen documents list names of Tory opposition figures as well as police agents supplying information on the IRA and other groups, the names and home phone numbers of all police intelligence officers and the addresses of Catholic and Protestant militants.

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Authorities said the list reflects up-to-date information, including names, addresses and license plates.

The Sinn Fein National Executive will meet on Sunday in Dublin to discuss the matter.

The Ulster Unionists, in a Friday night party executive meeting, unanimously decreed that the list was worrying, and could potentially harm the peace process.

They have asked for meetings with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and John Reid, Britain's minister for Northern Ireland.

David Trimble, the head of the Ulster Unionists and Northern Ireland's joint Catholic-Protestant government, said at another Ulster Unionist meeting on Saturday that he wants answers on the documents, in addition to a recent murder possibly involving the IRA, and on the IRA's alleged activities in Colombia.

Ian Duncan Smith, leader of the British opposition Conservative Party, has asked for a meeting with Blair, which could take place on Monday in London with Reid.

The Royal Ulster Constabulary is investigating.

Reid said: "I'm not going to comment on a particular case where charges have been made and proceedings are under way.

"But, as a general point, we have always made it clear that all paramilitary groups must end all forms of terrorist activity -- that includes collecting information.

"All organisations need to dismantle the apparatus of terrorism in all its forms."