Menu
20/07/2001
LOYALIST PARAMILITARIES CEASEFIRE CALLED INTO QUESTION
LOYALIST paramilitaries have been asked by nationalists to confirm their ceasefire commitment following a gun attack on a community centre in north Belfast.
Sinn Féin and the SDLP have both claimed that the Ulster Defence Association /Ulster Freedom Fighters’ ceasefire is non-existent after two gunmen opened fire on workers in the Ashton Centre in the nationalist New Lodge district.
Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Gerry Kelly said that he had no doubt that the shooting was an escalation of an orchestrated campaign of violence by the Ulster Defence Association (UDA). SDLP councillor Martin Morgan, who spoke to a local television station, described the shooting as a sinister occurrence. He said: “Given the increased tensions in north Belfast it is clear that at least one of the two main loyalist paramilitaries have set aside their ceasefire. In the face of these attacks, the Ulster Democratic Party and the UDA need to be upfront and declare their hand about the ceasefire.”
However John White chairman of the Ulster Democratic Party, which is politically linked to the loyalist UDA/UFF, said it was wrong to blame the paramilitary group.
Mr White said: "The UDA made a statement last week saying its ceasefire was intact and I do not see any reason why that would not still be the case. It would be silly of them to be involved and a complete contradiction."
Meanwhile Deputy First Minister Séamus Mallon and Trade Minister Sir Reg Empey have expressed their horror and disgust at this morning’s gun attack at a children’s summer school in the Ashton Centre in north Belfast.
They said: “This is an appalling act which truly beggars belief. It is a miracle that no one has been killed or injured. We would appeal to all those with any shred of decency in the community to step forward and help the authorities root out the extreme elements who are behind all of the recent disturbances in the city. (AMcE)
Sinn Féin and the SDLP have both claimed that the Ulster Defence Association /Ulster Freedom Fighters’ ceasefire is non-existent after two gunmen opened fire on workers in the Ashton Centre in the nationalist New Lodge district.
Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Gerry Kelly said that he had no doubt that the shooting was an escalation of an orchestrated campaign of violence by the Ulster Defence Association (UDA). SDLP councillor Martin Morgan, who spoke to a local television station, described the shooting as a sinister occurrence. He said: “Given the increased tensions in north Belfast it is clear that at least one of the two main loyalist paramilitaries have set aside their ceasefire. In the face of these attacks, the Ulster Democratic Party and the UDA need to be upfront and declare their hand about the ceasefire.”
However John White chairman of the Ulster Democratic Party, which is politically linked to the loyalist UDA/UFF, said it was wrong to blame the paramilitary group.
Mr White said: "The UDA made a statement last week saying its ceasefire was intact and I do not see any reason why that would not still be the case. It would be silly of them to be involved and a complete contradiction."
Meanwhile Deputy First Minister Séamus Mallon and Trade Minister Sir Reg Empey have expressed their horror and disgust at this morning’s gun attack at a children’s summer school in the Ashton Centre in north Belfast.
They said: “This is an appalling act which truly beggars belief. It is a miracle that no one has been killed or injured. We would appeal to all those with any shred of decency in the community to step forward and help the authorities root out the extreme elements who are behind all of the recent disturbances in the city. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 November 2011
SDLP Boss Slams Lack Of Political Progress
The SDLP's new leader, Dr. Alasdair McDonnell has again slammed a lack of political progress at the Stormont Executive. In his address to 50 former members of the Irish Parliament and Senate in Stormont last night he said that 13 years on from the Good Friday Agreement, there is political stability but no real political progress.
SDLP Boss Slams Lack Of Political Progress
The SDLP's new leader, Dr. Alasdair McDonnell has again slammed a lack of political progress at the Stormont Executive. In his address to 50 former members of the Irish Parliament and Senate in Stormont last night he said that 13 years on from the Good Friday Agreement, there is political stability but no real political progress.
12 September 2002
IRA opposition to ceasefire monitor slammed
In a statement to a republican magazine, an IRA spokeman has rejected calls for an independent monitor to assess the status of paramilitary ceasefires in Northern Ireland.
IRA opposition to ceasefire monitor slammed
In a statement to a republican magazine, an IRA spokeman has rejected calls for an independent monitor to assess the status of paramilitary ceasefires in Northern Ireland.
24 February 2004
UDA declare intent to maintain 'ceasfire'
The Ulster Defence Association (UDA) has announced that its 12-month period of military inactivity will continue "indefinitely". At a press conference on Tuesday the UDA's political wing, the Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG) said the paramilitary organisation wanted a role for loyalists in current negotiations.
UDA declare intent to maintain 'ceasfire'
The Ulster Defence Association (UDA) has announced that its 12-month period of military inactivity will continue "indefinitely". At a press conference on Tuesday the UDA's political wing, the Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG) said the paramilitary organisation wanted a role for loyalists in current negotiations.
13 September 2002
Independent ceasefire monitor speculation grows
Speculation is mounting that the government is to set up an independent monitor on paramilitary violence in Northern Ireland. The move was further strengthened after Ulster Unionist leader's meeting with the Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday, in which Mr Trimble confirmed that a proposal for the monitor was brought up with the PM.
Independent ceasefire monitor speculation grows
Speculation is mounting that the government is to set up an independent monitor on paramilitary violence in Northern Ireland. The move was further strengthened after Ulster Unionist leader's meeting with the Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday, in which Mr Trimble confirmed that a proposal for the monitor was brought up with the PM.
30 April 2002
Temperatures elevated as debate rages on IRA ceasefire
Political temperatures have remained elevated following the failed Ulster Unionist motion calling for the Secretary of State to make a determination on the status of the IRA ceasefire.
Temperatures elevated as debate rages on IRA ceasefire
Political temperatures have remained elevated following the failed Ulster Unionist motion calling for the Secretary of State to make a determination on the status of the IRA ceasefire.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
