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18/07/2001
BUSH CALLS FOR DECOMMISSIONING
US President George W Bush has called on the IRA and loyalist paramilitary groups to decommission their weapons in his most demonstrative statement regarding the Northern Ireland peace process to date.
Mr Bush’s first public comments are widely regarded to increase pressure on the IRA and loyalists to break the deadlock in the political process.
The President is to arrive in Chequers on Thursday 19 July for talks with Tony Blair and is expected to discuss the Northern Ireland situation.
In an interview with ‘The Times’ Mr Bush said: “The situation in Northern Ireland is coming to a critical stage …. There should be no mistake, we believe that the decommissioning part of the Good Friday Agreement must be upheld. We strongly support the governments of Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern in their attempt to enact the Good Friday agreement, and on of the crucial points is decommissioning. My government stands side by side with those governments and those two leaders in urging all sides to decommission, to disarm. I stand ready to help.”
The issue of decommission prompted David Trimble to resign his post as First Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive. He said that he was unwilling to continue working with republicans whilst the IRA still held onto their weapons.
Emergency talks in Weston Park in Staffordshire broke up at the weekend and the two premiers have retreated to draw up a “non-negotiable package” which will be presented to all the pro-Agreement parties at the end of July. The parties will then have until August 11 to consider the package. Failing a widespread acceptance of the deal Mr Blair will then have until August 15 to decide whether to suspend the Northern Ireland Assembly or call fresh elections.
Until now the Bush Administration has taken a cautious approach to the Northern Ireland peace process. Mr Bush’s until recently detached style has sharply contrasted with his predecessor Bill Clinton who was actively involved in brokering the Good Friday Agreement. (AMcE)
Mr Bush’s first public comments are widely regarded to increase pressure on the IRA and loyalists to break the deadlock in the political process.
The President is to arrive in Chequers on Thursday 19 July for talks with Tony Blair and is expected to discuss the Northern Ireland situation.
In an interview with ‘The Times’ Mr Bush said: “The situation in Northern Ireland is coming to a critical stage …. There should be no mistake, we believe that the decommissioning part of the Good Friday Agreement must be upheld. We strongly support the governments of Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern in their attempt to enact the Good Friday agreement, and on of the crucial points is decommissioning. My government stands side by side with those governments and those two leaders in urging all sides to decommission, to disarm. I stand ready to help.”
The issue of decommission prompted David Trimble to resign his post as First Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive. He said that he was unwilling to continue working with republicans whilst the IRA still held onto their weapons.
Emergency talks in Weston Park in Staffordshire broke up at the weekend and the two premiers have retreated to draw up a “non-negotiable package” which will be presented to all the pro-Agreement parties at the end of July. The parties will then have until August 11 to consider the package. Failing a widespread acceptance of the deal Mr Blair will then have until August 15 to decide whether to suspend the Northern Ireland Assembly or call fresh elections.
Until now the Bush Administration has taken a cautious approach to the Northern Ireland peace process. Mr Bush’s until recently detached style has sharply contrasted with his predecessor Bill Clinton who was actively involved in brokering the Good Friday Agreement. (AMcE)
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21 October 2003
NI elections to take place in November
New assembly elections for Northern Ireland are set to take place on November 26, the Government confirmed today. The announcement came following intensive negotiations between Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble and Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams as well as both the British and the Irish governments.
NI elections to take place in November
New assembly elections for Northern Ireland are set to take place on November 26, the Government confirmed today. The announcement came following intensive negotiations between Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble and Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams as well as both the British and the Irish governments.
23 July 2001
Trimble warns agreement may fail
David Trimble has said that The Good Friday Agreement, which underpins devolved government in the province, may prove unworkable.
Trimble warns agreement may fail
David Trimble has said that The Good Friday Agreement, which underpins devolved government in the province, may prove unworkable.
18 December 2001
Decommissioning deadline extended in Commons
A bill that extends the existing timeframe for decommissioning was passed in the House of Commons despite opposition from Tory and unionist MPs. The Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning (Amendment) Bill passed on Friday December 18, will now extend the existing amnesty on decommissioning, which expires on midnight February 26th 2002, for one year.
Decommissioning deadline extended in Commons
A bill that extends the existing timeframe for decommissioning was passed in the House of Commons despite opposition from Tory and unionist MPs. The Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning (Amendment) Bill passed on Friday December 18, will now extend the existing amnesty on decommissioning, which expires on midnight February 26th 2002, for one year.
29 June 2009
UVF Guns, Ammo And Bombs 'Beyond Use'
The haul of weapons decommissioned by the UVF and Red Hand Commandos included guns, ammunition and explosives, it has been revealed. However, independent observers - who described the cache as a "major decommissioning event" - have not said how many weapons were actually given up.
UVF Guns, Ammo And Bombs 'Beyond Use'
The haul of weapons decommissioned by the UVF and Red Hand Commandos included guns, ammunition and explosives, it has been revealed. However, independent observers - who described the cache as a "major decommissioning event" - have not said how many weapons were actually given up.
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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.
