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04/06/2003
Sinn Fein call for removal of RIR
Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness has described the Royal Irish Regiment (RIR) as a "unionist militia" and said that its retention was not consistent with a process of conflict resolution.
Mr McGuinness was speaking shortly before Northern Ireland Secretary of State Paul Murphy met Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to discuss the future of the RIR.
Mr McGuinness said: "Demilitarisation was a key element of the Good Friday Agreement. Five years on the British government have not delivered on their obligations. It was therefore a crucial part of the recent negotiations between Sinn Fein and the British government which led to the Joint Declaration.
"Sinn Féin's position has been consistent. We want the removal from the six counties of all British Forces - including the RIR."
However, Government officials have come under attack from unionists over plans to scrap the RIR as part of its joint declaration document agreed with the Irish Government.
Last week, the Ministry of Defence played down the reports, however a more comprehensive announcement is expected next week.
(MB)
Mr McGuinness was speaking shortly before Northern Ireland Secretary of State Paul Murphy met Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to discuss the future of the RIR.
Mr McGuinness said: "Demilitarisation was a key element of the Good Friday Agreement. Five years on the British government have not delivered on their obligations. It was therefore a crucial part of the recent negotiations between Sinn Fein and the British government which led to the Joint Declaration.
"Sinn Féin's position has been consistent. We want the removal from the six counties of all British Forces - including the RIR."
However, Government officials have come under attack from unionists over plans to scrap the RIR as part of its joint declaration document agreed with the Irish Government.
Last week, the Ministry of Defence played down the reports, however a more comprehensive announcement is expected next week.
(MB)
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