Menu
03/02/2005
IRA withdraws decommissioning offer
The IRA has withdrawn its offer to decommission its weapons blaming the British and Irish Governments for trying the republican paramilitary organisation's “patience to the limits".
In a statement released last night, the IRA leadership said it had demonstrated its commitment to the peace process "time and again" but that peace could not be built on "ultimatums, false and malicious accusations or bad faith".
The statement continued: “In 2004 our leadership was prepared to speedily resolve the issue of arms, by Christmas if possible, and to invite two independent witnesses, from the Protestant and Catholic churches, to testify to this. In the context of a comprehensive agreement we were also prepared to move into a new mode and to instruct our Volunteers that there could be no involvement whatsoever in activities which might endanger that agreement.
“These significant and substantive initiatives were our contributions to the peace process. Others, however, did not share that agenda. Instead, they demanded the humiliation of the IRA.
“Our initiatives have been attacked, devalued and dismissed by pro-unionist and anti-republican elements, including the British Government. The Irish Government have lent themselves to this. Commitments have been broken or withdrawn. The progress and change promised on political, social, economic and cultural matters, as well as on demilitarisation, prisoners, equality and policing and justice, has not materialised to the extent required, or promised.”
Commenting on the IRA’s decision, Sinn Fein President said the move was a "direct consequence of the retrograde stance of the two governments”.
"The two government have opted for confrontation,” the West Belfast MP said. “They are engaging in the sterile politics of the blame game without any regard for the consequences.
“This negative approach has effectively scuttled the enormous work done in persuading the IRA to undertake the unprecedented initiatives which they publicly outlined in December. All of this good work has now been undermined."
However, the Prime Minister's official spokesperson said the Government was not surprised at the IRA's position.
He said: "The fact remains that it was the IRA that did carry out the Northern Bank robbery and as the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach said yesterday therefore it is the IRA that is the sole obstacle to moving forward.”
He re-emphasised that the obstacle to political progress was the need for an end to criminality.
(MB/SP)
In a statement released last night, the IRA leadership said it had demonstrated its commitment to the peace process "time and again" but that peace could not be built on "ultimatums, false and malicious accusations or bad faith".
The statement continued: “In 2004 our leadership was prepared to speedily resolve the issue of arms, by Christmas if possible, and to invite two independent witnesses, from the Protestant and Catholic churches, to testify to this. In the context of a comprehensive agreement we were also prepared to move into a new mode and to instruct our Volunteers that there could be no involvement whatsoever in activities which might endanger that agreement.
“These significant and substantive initiatives were our contributions to the peace process. Others, however, did not share that agenda. Instead, they demanded the humiliation of the IRA.
“Our initiatives have been attacked, devalued and dismissed by pro-unionist and anti-republican elements, including the British Government. The Irish Government have lent themselves to this. Commitments have been broken or withdrawn. The progress and change promised on political, social, economic and cultural matters, as well as on demilitarisation, prisoners, equality and policing and justice, has not materialised to the extent required, or promised.”
Commenting on the IRA’s decision, Sinn Fein President said the move was a "direct consequence of the retrograde stance of the two governments”.
"The two government have opted for confrontation,” the West Belfast MP said. “They are engaging in the sterile politics of the blame game without any regard for the consequences.
“This negative approach has effectively scuttled the enormous work done in persuading the IRA to undertake the unprecedented initiatives which they publicly outlined in December. All of this good work has now been undermined."
However, the Prime Minister's official spokesperson said the Government was not surprised at the IRA's position.
He said: "The fact remains that it was the IRA that did carry out the Northern Bank robbery and as the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach said yesterday therefore it is the IRA that is the sole obstacle to moving forward.”
He re-emphasised that the obstacle to political progress was the need for an end to criminality.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
18 July 2023
Belfast Boxer Apologises For Liking Critical Kate Tweet
Michael Conlan has apologised for liking a tweet critical of the Princess of Wales. In a statement posted on social media professional boxer Conlan, said: "Yesterday when scrolling Twitter, I unknowingly liked a tweet that appeared on my feed by someone I don’t follow.
Belfast Boxer Apologises For Liking Critical Kate Tweet
Michael Conlan has apologised for liking a tweet critical of the Princess of Wales. In a statement posted on social media professional boxer Conlan, said: "Yesterday when scrolling Twitter, I unknowingly liked a tweet that appeared on my feed by someone I don’t follow.
12 June 2019
Billy McKee Dies Aged 97
A former IRA leader has died at the age of 97. Billy McKee died at his home in Belfast on Tuesday, 11 June. He is believed to have joined the IRA in the 1930s. He left and joined Sinn Féin in the 1980s.
Billy McKee Dies Aged 97
A former IRA leader has died at the age of 97. Billy McKee died at his home in Belfast on Tuesday, 11 June. He is believed to have joined the IRA in the 1930s. He left and joined Sinn Féin in the 1980s.
29 November 2018
Further Arrest Under Terrorism Act Linked To New IRA Weapons Find
A man has been arrested under the Terrorism Act by police following the discovery of suspected New IRA weapons earlier this month. During a fire in a boiler house in west Belfast on 14 November, police found a significant haul of rifles and ammunition. The weaponry is believed to have been used by the New IRA in previous crimes.
Further Arrest Under Terrorism Act Linked To New IRA Weapons Find
A man has been arrested under the Terrorism Act by police following the discovery of suspected New IRA weapons earlier this month. During a fire in a boiler house in west Belfast on 14 November, police found a significant haul of rifles and ammunition. The weaponry is believed to have been used by the New IRA in previous crimes.
05 June 2018
Call For Banners Depicting IRA Atrocities To Be Removed Immediately
The Chief Executive of Radius Housing has called for banners depicting IRA atrocities to be "removed immediately" at a shared housing estate in south Belfast. UVF flags were put up at the housing development in Cantrell Close last summer and a number of Catholic families moved out.
Call For Banners Depicting IRA Atrocities To Be Removed Immediately
The Chief Executive of Radius Housing has called for banners depicting IRA atrocities to be "removed immediately" at a shared housing estate in south Belfast. UVF flags were put up at the housing development in Cantrell Close last summer and a number of Catholic families moved out.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
